Head, Massaging the.--This is so important in many cases of neuralgia,

headache, and eye troubles, that we here describe it. The brow is first

gently stroked _upward_ from behind, with the palm of the hand, while

the back of the patient's head rests against the chair or other

support. The sides of the head are then similarly treated, using a hand

for each side simultaneously. Then the back of the head is stroked

upward also. After this is well done, the top of the head is stroked

similarly from front to back. Then the whole head, except the forehead,

is rubbed briskly but lightly with the tips of the fingers with a

scratching motion, but _not_ using the nails. This is best done piece

by piece, taking care to do every part in turn. This treatment may be

often alternated with the cooling of the head with cold towels, with

the best results. In all cases of head uneasiness and neuralgia it is

_invaluable_ (_see_ Eyes, Paralysis of; Eyes, Squinting; Massage).

Frequently a small part of the head will be found where the rubbing

with the finger tips is particularly soothing. Special attention, of

course, should be given to this, as it is nature's guide to relief. But

if pain and uneasiness result from the rubbing, it should be stopped,

and some other cure substituted. Understand that what you have to do is

to gently press the returning stream of venous blood on in its course

from the weighted brow back over the top of the head. Rub very slowly

and deliberately, as the stream you are affecting flows slowly. The

frequency with which you change from the rubbing to the cold cloth, and

from that again to the rubbing, will depend a good deal on the heat

that you find persistent in the head, but usually you may rub two

minutes and cool during one minute. More or less relief will come in a

very short time, and in ten minutes or a quarter of an hour there will

be a very great change for the better.

[Illustration]

We had a very curious case lately. A little girl was brought to us one

morning who had been quite blind of one eye for a fortnight. We tried

the eye with a rather powerful lens, but she could see nothing. That

eye had a squint, which was also of a fortnight's standing. The pupil

of the eye was dilated, but nothing else seemed wrong. The girl was

affected with worms in some degree, but otherwise healthy. We gave her

head a massaging, such as we have been describing, for some ten minutes

or so. She was given the first of four or five doses of santolina next

morning, which her mother said she threw up and some bilious matter

besides. She was brought to us an hour or so after, and we found that

she had forgotten which had been the blind eye. She now saw perfectly

with both, and the squint was gone. We had not tried whether the

rubbing had had the curative effect before the santolina was given, or

whether it was after the latter that the sight was restored, but we are

disposed to think that the squinting and blindness both had given way

to the head's improvement by the massaging.

Head, Skin of the.--The nerves of sensibility are very largely supplied

to the skin of the head, and many large nerves pass under it. It is

therefore an important matter that it be kept in a right condition. In

various troubles it becomes hard and dry, and even contracts and

presses very painfully upon the head, feeling as if it were dried

parchment. The pain thus caused is different from neuralgia, and cannot

be relieved by cooling, but is easily cured by soaping the head (_see_

Head, Soaping). This may be done every night, and the head tied up with

the soap lather until morning. It may then be sponged, dried, and a

little hot olive oil rubbed into the skin. In a serious case, where the

patient is in bed, this treatment may be given night and morning.

Always, in treating such a head, be very gentle, for the least touch is

often painful to the irritated skin. The use of a pure and proper

pomade, such as some preparation of vaseline, is of importance where

the skin is dry, and tends powerfully to preserve the skin and hair in

healthy condition.

Careful brushing of the hair, and rubbing of the skin of the scalp

will, too, be of use. _See_ Hair.

Head, Soaping.--Have a piece of M'Clinton's soap, a good shaving brush,

and a bowl of warm water. Rub the wet brush on the soap, and work the

lather up in the hollow of the left hand, taking more soap and water in

the brush as necessary, until the left hand is full of creamy, thick

lather. Lay this on all over the patient's head. Make another handful,

and lay that on also. The lather may be wrought into the mass of hair

until it reaches the skin, the brush being dipped in the warm water,

and used to work the lather well into the skin of the head. This must

be continued until the whole head is thickly covered with fine white

lather, like a wig in appearance. You need have no difficulty with ever

so much hair. You only comb that nicely back at first, and place the

soap lather on the fore part of the head. Then you bring the hair

forward, and soap the back part. You may work on at this process for

half-an-hour. You will by that time have produced a most delightful

feeling in both body and mind of your patient. Tie a soft handkerchief

over all, and leave for as long as needed--even all night if required.

When removing the lather, use a sponge and warm vinegar or weak acid

(_see_ Acetic Acid), and dry gently with a soft towel. This application

can be used with good effect in all cases of hard, dry skin on the

head, and formation of white scurf. It preserves the hair, and

stimulates its growth. It also removes the painful sensitiveness to

touch so often felt in the hair and head skin. Care must ever be taken

to do it all with a gentle hand. So done it is priceless in its

soothing and healing effects on irritable nerves.

Head, Sounds in.--As the result and accompaniment of deafness these are

sometimes most distressing, even preventing the patient from sleeping.

They are often caused by chill producing some inflammation of the ear,

and stoppage of the internal or external air passages. Have a large

FOMENTATION (_see_) carefully packed round the whole head. If properly

done, the patient will be comfortable in it for an hour. The

fomentation must then be taken off, the head rubbed quite dry, and a

warm covering put on. Do this before bedtime for three or four nights.

Then desist for three nights. After this place a hot BRAN POULTICE

(_see_) on the back of the head, neck, and spine, so that the patient

can lie comfortably upon it for an hour. Oil before and after with

olive oil. Give this at bedtime for three or four nights, and rest

again for three or four days more. Avoid exposure during this

treatment. It is suitable for all cases of ear trouble through chill.

It will be specially important to see that the feet are comfortable,

and that health generally is looked to. _See_ Ears; Hearing.

Health and Money.--It will be noticed that the remedies we recommend

are in almost every case very cheap--even, like hot water, costing

nothing, as they are in every house. This very simplicity and

commonness has turned many against our treatment. We know, indeed, of

one curious case where olive oil was derided and despised by a

rheumatic patient, until his friends got it labelled "Poison, for

external use only." It was then eagerly applied, and effected a cure.

We warn our readers very seriously against this folly. It is traded in

by some who sell the simplest things as secret cures at exorbitant

prices, and impoverish still further those who are poor enough already.

The _price_ of a drug or appliance is no indication of its value as a

cure. Neither is its lack of price. Nor is the price of any particular

food or drink an indication of its value. Good and nutritious foods are

generally cheap and easily procured. _See_ Diet, Economy in. Our effort

has been to find out cures within the reach of every household; and we

have found that, as God has put water and air freely within man's

reach, so has He put those things which best cure disease within the

reach of the poorest. Let us not then despise such things because they

are common.

Hearing.--We have had so much success in helping the deaf that we feel

warranted in seeking to spread the knowledge of our methods as widely

as possible.

Deafness is caused in many ways--very often by exposure of the head to

a chill, especially in infancy. We have seen it even arise from

enclosing the head in a bag of ice with a view to extreme cooling. What

is called "throat deafness" is a different matter, but yields to the

same treatment as the cases of chill. The process of cure is very

similar to that used in cases of failing sight (_see_ under Eyes), for

the aural nerve has to be stimulated as the optic nerve in these cases.

Rub the back of the head and neck, using hot olive oil, and continuing

gently, yet firmly, until all the parts are in a glow of heat. Do this

some time during the day. At night apply the BRAN POULTICE (_see_),

oiling before and after, to the back of head and neck, the patient

lying down on it for an hour at bedtime. _Gently_ syringe the ears with

tepid water, but only so far as to cleanse them. Rub with ACETIC ACID

(_see_) behind the ears, but _not so as to cause soreness_. In an

obstinate case continue treatment for a month, then rest for a

fortnight, and continue for another month.

Cases of deafness arising from dryness and hardness in the ears are to

be treated differently. The ear is brushed internally with soap lather

(_see_ Lather and Soap). Dip a brush, such as is used for water-colour

drawing, into hot water, rub it on the soap, and gently brush the

inside of the ear. Renew the lather frequently, keeping up the heat.

With another brush moisten the same parts with fine almond oil. Gently,

but thoroughly, dry out the ear with a fine roll of lint or _soft_

cotton. In a fortnight we have seen great benefit from this done daily

or twice a day. Be careful not to use pressure on the inside of the ear

when washing or drying, as this may cause the wax to harden into balls,

pressing on the drum. The whole head may also be rubbed with acetic

acid, not so as to cause pain, but simply a strong heat in the skin. In

all treatment of so delicate an organ as the ear, avoid giving _pain_.

If the deafness proceed simply from a relaxed state of the tissues in

the tubes of the ear, the cold douche applied to the head, with careful

drying and rubbing afterwards, will often effect a cure. But it is only

a _sudden_, _brief_, cold splash which is wanted, not a stream directed

for any time on the head, which might do serious injury. In this

connection it may be noticed that a child should never be punished by

"boxing its _ears_." Children have had their hearing permanently

injured by this thoughtless practice.

Heartburn.--_See_ Acidity in Stomach.

Heat and Weakness.--We have over and over again shown in these papers

how heat passes into vital action, and gives strength to failing organs

and nerves. But the heat supplied to these organs must be at a certain

temperature. All experience goes to show that _gentle_ heating will do

all that is required. Moreover, too hot a fomentation, especially if a

large one, will weaken the patient, and defeat its own ends. In such a

case it is folly to throw up the treatment, and say that heat weakens,

when all that is needed is to apply heat at a lower temperature. The

right degree of warmth is indicated by the comfort of the patient. It

will vary in almost every individual case, and must be found by careful

trial. Also it may vary from hour to hour. The heat comfortable during

the day may be found insufficient or too great by night, and so on. We

must in these matters apply our common sense, and make a real effort of

thought, if we wish to be successful.

Heat, Internal.--There is a usual (normal) temperature in all the blood

and tissues of the body. If the body be either warmer or colder than

this point (98.4 deg. Fahr.), its health is interfered with. A

"clinical thermometer" is used to ascertain whether the bodily

temperature is normal or not. It is to be had at every druggist's, and

is of great importance in a household. By its means the rise of

temperature can be detected often before any serious symptoms set in,

and due means taken to check trouble in its early stages. The

instrument is used by putting it under the armpit, or, with children,

between the legs, so that the mercury bulb is entirely enfolded and

hidden between the arm, or leg, and the body. Left in this position for

five minutes, it is taken out and read. It may also be held in the

mouth, under the tongue, with lips close on it.

Where a good deal of fever is shown, as by a rising of the mercury to

101 deg., measures to reduce it should at once be taken, as shown in

the articles on various kinds of Fever. By watching the temperature,

and taking it from time to time, we can see when cooling is sufficient.

Where the temperature is too low--that is, below 98-2/5 deg.--rub all

over with warm olive oil, and clothe in good soft flannel. Other

methods for increasing vital action may also be tried, as given in many

of our articles.

Heel, Sprained.--Often in sprains all attention is given to the bruised

and torn _muscles_, while similarly bruised and torn _nerves_ are

overlooked; yet upon the nerves the perfect healing of the muscles

depends. Hence, in a sprain of the heel we must be careful not to

direct attention to the heel exclusively. That may be bathed (_see_

Bathing Feet) and duly rubbed with oil. A good plan is to apply cloths

dipped in cold water and vinegar. Keep the limb perfectly still, and do

not attempt to use it for at least a fortnight. After this it may be

cured to all appearance, yet a weakness may be left which prevents

anything like the full and free use of the limb. It may be all right

when resting, but suffers when used for any length of time: this

indicates pretty plainly that _rest_ is needed, and is an essential

thing for cure. But besides this rest, the foot should be packed during

the night in soap lather (_see_ Lather and Soap). Wash the foot in

vinegar or weak acetic acid, rub the whole limb from the ankle

_upwards_ in such a way as to draw the blood up from the foot, avoiding

all down-strokes. Use a little olive oil in this rubbing. Note that the

whole limb needs treatment. The juice of _Lady Wrack_, such as is to be

found on the west coast of Scotland, is an excellent remedy for

sprained joints; but we only mention it, as it must be inaccessible to

many of our readers.

Hiccup.--Though often but slight, disappearing in a few minutes by some

simple device, such as holding the breath, when long continued this

becomes most serious. Very often it is an added distress in trouble

which is itself incurable; but while the patient's life cannot be

saved, the hiccup may be relieved. In the common case of infant hiccup,

a lessening of the over-supply of food may be all that is required. One

or two teaspoonfuls of hot water given to the infant will usually give

immediate relief. For a grown-up person with a slight attack, one or

two teacupfuls of the same will also usually prove a remedy. For

serious cases the treatment is a large BRAN POULTICE (_see_) placed on

the back, opposite the stomach. Well oil the back before and after the

poultice, and leave it on for an hour. If this fails, after a little,

prepare a blanket as directed under Fomentation. Roll it up until it is

the size of the patient's back, and let him lie down on it. (Read here

article on Heat and Weakness.) Then a small cold towel may be passed

gently over the stomach. This will generally relieve. It may be

repeated if necessary.

Hip-Joint Disease.--Thorough heating, with moist heat is the best

treatment for this trouble. This implies time, work, and patience; but

all these are well spent. Let a strong fomentation be given twice a day

to the hip joint, with oiling before and after, each application

lasting at least an hour (_see_ Cooling in Heating; Fomentation; Heat

and Weakness). In all probability a gathering of matter will come to

the surface and discharge itself. Treat this as recommended in article

on Abscess, and persevere until the joint is thoroughly renovated. It

may take a time, and the treatment should always be intermitted on

Sabbath, and sometimes a few days' rest be given. The patient's

_comfort_ is the safe guide in this.

Hives.--_See_ Rash.

Hoarseness.--This trouble we may consider in _three_ ways:--First, as

the effect of overstrain in using the voice; in this case rest must be

taken from speaking or other such work. Remedies which restore the

voice without rest are very likely to do permanent injury. For

application to the throat, use vinegar or weak ACETIC ACID (_see_) of

such strength as to cause just slight smarting of the throat when

applied as a gargle, or with a proper brush, such as any chemist will

supply. This may be done frequently, and, together with rest, will

rarely fail to cure. Rubbing the throat externally with acetic acid of

full strength until a rash appears is often very helpful. Those engaged

in public speaking would do well, especially in youth, to cultivate the

habit of correct breathing (_see_ Breathing, Correct Method of).

Articulation should be clear, and the words formed sonorously, and from

the stomach, as it were. This, indeed, will apply to everyone. Such a

method of producing the voice will not only be harmonious, but will

exercise insensibly a beneficial influence on the nervous system and

mental tone of the individual.

It is a fact that actors who study the method of voice production do

not suffer from that form of sore throat known as clergymen's sore

throat, simply because they have learned to produce their voice in this

way.

Secondly, hoarseness may arise from exposure to cold, damp air. In this

case it is best to apply mild heat to the _roots_ of the nerves which

supply the voice organs. This is best done by applying a bran poultice

to the back of the neck, oiling before and after with olive oil.

Carefully dry the skin, and wear a piece of new flannel, for a time,

over the part poulticed. This may be supplemented by brushing as above

with the vinegar.

Thirdly, failure of skin action, or of the proper action of other

waste-removing organs, may be the cause of hoarseness. In addition to

the treatment recommended above, we must in this case stimulate the

skin: this is best done by rubbing with Cayenne "Tea" (_see_) all over

the body at bedtime. Let this be done for four or five nights, and the

throat treatment be given in the morning, when a cure may be looked

for. _See_ Underwear.

Hooping Cough.--_See_ Whooping Cough.

Hope and Healing.--The mind has always an influence on the body. Life

rises and falls under the influences of ideas, so as to prove that

these are a matter of life and death to man. To give an invalid _hope_

is, then, to help mightily in healing the disease, whereas to tell

patients that they are incurable is the sure way to make them so. But

there is, on the other hand, little good in falsehood and false hope:

this has often been found to fail and leave the patient in complete

despair. No one can tell the immense power for healing which is exerted

when one who truly hopes for the patient looks brightly into his eyes,

and speaks with a genuine ring of hope of the possibility of cure. So

many cases found incurable by the usual treatment have yielded to that

recommended in these papers, that in almost all cases we may see some

ground for hope, if not of cure, at least of great alleviation. To give

this impression to a patient is to half win the battle.

There are many who speak most carelessly, even wickedly, to those in

trouble. They think it a duty to dash their hopes and predict gloomy

things. Such should never enter a sick-room, and should, indeed, change

entirely their manner of speech. To go about the world sowing doubt and

gloom in men's hearts is a sorry occupation, and one that will have to

be accounted for to Him who is emphatically the "God of hope."

Look, then, in treatment for every least sign of improvement.

Discourage all doubts and encourage all hopes, and you will make what

would be a really hopeless case, if the patient were left to despair,

one that can be comparatively easily cured. "A word to the wise is

enough."

Hot Flushings.--_See_ Flushings.

Hot-water Bags.--The flat rubber bags of various shapes, to be had from

all rubber shops, make excellent substitutes for poultice or

fomentation; but care must be taken to have two or more ply of _moist_

flannel between the bag and the skin of the patient. This ensures a

supply of moist heat, which is in almost every case the best.

Housemaid's Knee.--To cure a swelling on the knee-joint is, as a rule,

easy. _Rest_ is a first and paramount necessity. Bathing with hot

water, not too hot for comfort, for at least an hour each day is

usually sufficient. If the knee has been blistered, or leeched, it is

more difficult to cure; but a cure may be expected if the bathing be

continued for a long enough time. It is best done by wrapping a cloth

dipped in vinegar round the knee, and placing the foot in a bath, then

pouring hot water on the bandaged knee, lifting it from the bath in a

jug.

When pain in bending is felt in the very centre of the knee-joint, this

hot pouring may be needed for a month, or even longer. During the

intervals of pouring a large cold compress should be worn, first well

oiling the knee. Cover the compress with oiled silk. This will soften

even a very stiff knee, so as at least to bring about ability to bend

without pain. Of course, if there is any disjointing, good surgical aid

must be had, if possible, to replace the bones in their natural

position.

Hydrocele.--_See_ Dropsy.

Hysteria.--This is usually brought on by some excessive strain upon the

brain nerves, and may show itself either in the violent or in the

fainting form; it may even pass from the one to the other, fainting

alternating with violent movements and cries. It may often be checked

by plunging the patient's hands into _cold_ water.

In the silent stage, where sometimes unconsciousness continues for

hours, a dry blanket should be laid on a bed, and another blanket must

be rolled up and prepared with hot water as directed in Fomentation.

Fold this until it is the size and shape of the patient's back, and lay

her down on it, so that the whole back is well fomented. Take care not

to burn the patient: soothing heat, not irritation, is required.

Consciousness will usually return almost immediately. All except

attendants should be excluded from the room. Allow the patient to rest

in this comfortable warmth until signs of discomfort appear, then

gently rub the back with hot olive oil, dry, and leave to rest or sleep

if possible. Do all with great _steadiness of temper and kindness_;

such a condition in the nurse is especially essential in these cases.

Where the fit is violent, apply every mental soothing influence

available, and remove from the room all excited persons. Then apply

cold cloths to the spine to soothe the irritated nerves and brain. Two

may gently and kindly hold the patient, while a third presses on the

cooling cloths. In about half-an-hour the fit should be overcome. A

difficulty in treating such cases is the terrifying effect of the

violent movements, or unconsciousness; but these should not create

fear. As a rule, a little patience and treatment as above remove all

distress. Where there is a hysterical tendency, give abundance of good

food, and let the patient live as much in the open-air as possible.

The patient should be kept employed. God made us all to be workers, and

this sad affliction is frequently the punishment of idleness. No one

has any excuse for this, for the world is full of those who are

overworked and whose burden could be lightened. The girl whose only

task is to exchange her armful of novels at the library will never know

what true happiness is, nor deserve to. _See_ Imaginary Troubles.

Illness, The Root of.--In treating any trouble it is well to get to the

root of it. On one occasion a patient complained that the doctor never

struck at the _root_ of his illness. The doctor lifted his

walking-stick and smashed the brandy bottle which stood on the table,

remarking that his patient would not have to say that again. This will

illustrate what we mean. Liquor drinking must be given up: it is the

root of multitudinous ills; so must excessive tea drinking. Tobacco is

one of the most insidious of poisons in its effects on the nerves, and

is to be absolutely given up if a cure is expected in nervous cases.

Chloral, laudanum, and opium in other forms, may give temporary relief;

but they are deadly poisons, paralysing the nerves and ultimately

completely wrecking the system. The continued use of digitalis for

heart disease is a dreadful danger. We mention these by name as most

common, to illustrate the truth that it is vain to treat a patient

while the _cause_ of his illness is allowed to act. If any evil habit

of indulgence has given rise to trouble, that habit must be given up; a

hard fight may have to be fought, but the victory is sure to those who

persevere. Often dangerous symptoms appear, but these must be faced: to

relieve them by a return to drugs is to fasten the chains more surely

on the patient. It is better to suffer a little than to be all one's

life a slave.

Imaginary Troubles.--These are of two kinds, the one purely imaginary,

the other where bodily trouble is mixed with the imagined. In the first

case the patient is in agony with a pain, when nothing wrong can be

discovered in the part, or even elsewhere, to account for it. In such a

case, proper treatment of the BRAIN or SPINE (_see_) will often

relieve. Again, a patient has set up such a standard of health that

what would not trouble any ordinary person at all, gives him much

distress. An intermitting pulse often is a source of great anxiety; but

we have known people with intermitting pulses continuing in good health

for forty years, and living to old age. So with many other heart

symptoms that need give no concern at all. Sprains to some muscles are

often taken for serious internal inflammation, and a slight cough and

spit are taken for consumption. Care must be taken to resist all such

fancies, and if not otherwise removable, _thoroughly competent_ medical

advice will often put the patient right. In such a case a medical man

of undoubted high standing is best consulted, for an inferior

practitioner may nearly kill the patient by arousing needless fears,

which are afterwards difficult to remove. _See_ Hysteria.

It must be remembered that diseases of the imagination are as actually

painful to the patient as if they really were organic troubles. It is,

therefore, useless to laugh at or pooh pooh the trouble, or suggest

that the sufferer is only humbugging. Attention must be paid to diet,

exercise, and to material, mental, and moral surroundings, so as in

every way to relieve the patient from those apparent troubles that so

annoy him. Great gentleness, firmness, hopefulness, and sympathy will

often bring about an almost unconscious cure. If the trouble has been

brought about by over-work and worry, complete rest will often be

needed. If there is something in the surroundings that jars, a change

may be advisable.

Indigestion.--(See also Digestion; Assimilation.) This subject leads

naturally to a consideration of _food_ in relation to it. The trouble

usually is that food easily enough digested by others causes distress

to the patient. Here we at once see that _cooking_ plays a most

important part. Potatoes, for example, when steeped for half-an-hour in

hot water, which is changed before they are boiled, are much more easy

of digestion. The water in which they have been steeped is found

_green_ with unripe sap, which is all removed. Where _unripe_ juice is

present in any root, this method of cookery is a good one. Eggs placed

in boiling water, and allowed to remain so till the water is getting

cool--say _half-an-hour_--are often found to be much more easily

digested than as usually prepared. What we aim at in these

illustrations is to show that digestion depends on the _relation of the

food taken to the juices of the stomach which are to dissolve it_. It

must be brought into a digestible state if weak stomachs are to deal

with it.

Greasy, heavy dishes must always be avoided. Also unripe fruit. The

diet should be spare, as very often indigestion proceeds simply from

the stomach having had too much to do.

A very easily digested food is fine jelly of oatmeal made in the

following way:--Take a good handful of the meal and put it in a basin

with hot water, sufficient to make the mixture rather thin. Let it

steep for half-an-hour. Strain out all the rough particles, and boil

the milky substance till it is a jelly, with a very little salt. To an

exceedingly weak patient you give only a dessertspoonful, and no more

for half-an-hour. If the patient is not so weak you may give a

tablespoonful, but nothing more for half-an-hour. In that time the very

small amount of gastric juice which the stomach provides has done its

work with the very small amount of food given. Really good blood,

though only very little, has been formed. The step you have taken is a

small one, but it is real. You proceed in this way throughout the whole

day. The patient should not swallow it at once, but retain it in the

mouth for a considerable time, so that it may mix with the saliva.

By this, or by porridge made from wheaten meal, you may secure good

digestion when the gastric juice is scanty and poor; but we should not

like to be restricted to that. We want a stomach that will not fight

shy of any wholesome thing. We must treat it so that when suitable food

is offered it may be comfortably digested.

Now, there is an exceedingly simple means for putting the glands in

order when they are not so. About half-an-hour before taking any food,

take half a teacupful of water as hot as you can sip it comfortably.

This has a truly wonderful effect. Before food is taken, the mucous

membrane is pale and nearly dry, on account of the contracted state of

the arteries. In many cases the glands that secrete the gastric juice

are feeble; in others they seem cramped, and far from ready to act when

food is presented. The hot water has the same effect on them as it has

everywhere else on the body--that of stimulating the circulation and

bringing about natural action. It looks a very frail remedy; but when

we can, as it were, see these glands opening and filling with arterial

blood the instant they are bathed in this same water, and see how ready

they become to supply gastric juice for digestion, the remedy does not

look so insignificant.

We have, in scores of cases, seen its effects in the most delightful

way. Persons who have to our knowledge been ill and miserable with

their stomachs for years have become perfectly well from doing nothing

but taking half a teacupful of hot water regularly before taking any

food. It is true that great good is effected in cases of this kind by

giving the weakened organ light work to do for a time. Wonders are done

by feeding with wheaten-meal biscuits and water for some time,

beginning with a very small allowance, and seeing that every mouthful

is thoroughly chewed. Great things, too, are accomplished with such

wheaten-meal porridge as we have already mentioned. But we feel

disposed to regard the half-teacupful of hot water regularly before

eating as the chief means of cure. It is wonderfully cheap: it goes

hard with the druggist if his customers need nothing but a little hot

water. Still, from what we have seen, and from what some of the very

highest authorities have told us, we come more and more to look to this

simple remedy as about all that is required inwardly to cure the worst

cases of indigestion.

A little pepsin added to the hot water may be of use; also in cases of

acidity a few drops of white vinegar mixed with the water will be found

beneficial.

Soda, iron, lime, charcoal, even tar pills are used as remedies for

indigestion; but none of them do much good, and some are highly

injurious. If used at all, their use should be temporary, and under

good medical advice.

If pain is felt, the stomach may be greatly soothed by soft fine lather

(_see_ Lather and Soap). It acts in such cases like a charm. Spread it

gently over the stomach, and wipe it off with a soft cloth. Cover again

with fresh lather. Do this five or six times, and cover up the last

coat with a soft cloth.

All indulgences which tend to weaken the stomach are to be avoided.

Alcohol and tobacco must be given up. Over-excitement must be avoided,

and abundance of fresh air breathed, if a cure is to be expected.

Where sudden and violent pain comes on after meals, a poultice or hot

fomentation applied directly over the stomach is the best remedy at the

time. _See_ Flatulence.

Infant Nursing.--A mother who has had strength to bear a child is, as a

rule, quite strong enough to nurse it. Suckling is natural, and usually

most beneficial to health. Many women have better health and appetite

at such a time than at any other. Every mother ought, therefore, unless

her health forbids it, to nurse her own child; no other food is so good

for it as that which nature provides. We cannot too strongly condemn

the mother who from indolence or love of pleasure shirks this sacred

duty. By so doing she violates the laws of nature, which can never be

done with impunity. Many troubles follow, and her constitution is

seriously injured. Alas that we should ever have to say, with Jeremiah:

"Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their

young ones; the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the

ostriches in the wilderness."

If a wet-nurse must be employed, great care should be exercised in

choosing a healthy person with a child as near as possible to the age

of the infant.

Let mothers remember that there is great _variety_ in milk. Not only

does one mother's milk differ from another, but the same mother's milk

varies from time to time. Variation in health and diet affects the milk

very much. Many cases of infant trouble are traceable to the mother's

milk, which should not be overlooked as a possible cause.

Again, an _abundance_ of milk is not always good. An infant may thrive

better on a scanty supply of good milk than on an abundance of bad

milk. Milk derived from drinking ale, porter, or alcoholic drinks of

any kind, though abundant, is very far indeed from good, that produced

by plain and simple diet is always best.

Again, the _state of the mother's mind_ has a great deal to do with the

quality of her milk. A fright, or continued worry, may transform good

milk into most injurious food for the child.

There need be no fear caused by these ideas: it is only in exceptional

cases that nursing need be given up; the natural way is always the

best. But where necessary there need be no hesitation in putting an

infant on the bottle. The milk of a healthy cow, or condensed milk of

first-rate brand, is much to be preferred to that of a wearied,

worn-out, and worried mother.

Infants' Food.--For infants who cannot be nursed at the breast, cows'

milk in the "bottle" is the best substitute. But all milk used from the

cow should be sterilised and cooled before use. That is unless it is

found on trial that the child thrives better on unsterilised milk. It

is not necessary to have "one cow's milk;" but it is important to have

the milk adapted in strength to the infant's need. If the milk be too

rich, the infant will often break out into spots, or will vomit. A

little more boiling water in the bottle mixture will remedy this, and

often prevent serious trouble. The same proportion of water and milk

will not always do. One dairy's milk, and even one cow's milk, differs

from another; and so does the digestive power of infants. We have to

find out that strength of milk to suit our own baby, and not be led

astray by the advice of other mothers. In health the young infant does

not require food oftener than every two hours, sometimes even every

three. It may cry because of cold, wet, or discomfort, not from want of

food. To overload the stomach with food is harmful and leads to serious

disorders. Its food requires a certain time for digestion, even in an

infant, and as the child grows, the intervals between meals ought to be

increased.

A good mixture is two parts of cow's milk to one of water. To every

pint of this add four teaspoonfuls of sugar, and a tablespoonful of

cream. Barley water may be used instead of common water. The water

should be boiling, and should be poured into the milk. The bottle

should be thoroughly cleansed, and boiled in boiling water before

re-filling. It must be remembered that the saliva does not possess the

property of turning starch into sugar till the child is six months old;

therefore starchy food, such as bread, arrowroot, etc., should on no

account be given before that age. Preparations for weaning may then

begin, by giving the child _small_ quantities of oatmeal jelly and

milk, or even of porridge and milk, so that the weaning comes on

gradually. The time of nursing should not exceed nine months. If,

however, a child afterwards be ill, there is no harm in going back for

a time to the bottle, even at two years old. Common sense must guide,

and not hard-and-fast rule. Easily assimilated food must ever be

chosen; and as a food for children, oatmeal porridge, well boiled,

holds the first place--far before bread sops. If porridge be not easily

digested, try oatmeal jelly. Most of the infant foods so largely

advertised cannot be recommended.

* * * * *

It is now suspected that tuberculosis is transmitted to children mainly

from the milk of cows affected with this disease. Cows are exceedingly

liable to tuberculous disease of the udder. It is therefore very

difficult to get milk guaranteed free from the tubercle bacillus, and

recent examinations of that coming into Manchester and Liverpool showed

that from 18 to 29 per cent. contained this deadly germ. (Strange to

say, tubercular disease of the mother's breast is practically unknown,

and children never derive the disease from their mother's milk.) It is

therefore of the greatest importance that only the milk of cows proved

free from this disease should be used. The disease is easily detected,

and if a demand were created for milk guaranteed free from the germs,

dairymen would soon supply it.

Unless it is _absolutely certain_ the cows supplying the milk are free

from disease, the milk should be sterilised by heating to near boiling

point, and then cooling _rapidly_. If kept twelve hours, the boiled

taste goes off it, and children soon get to like it. Though sterilised

milk will keep for some time without getting sour, it should be

sterilised each day, specially if for infant use.

This treatment makes the milk keep without the use of preservatives,

such as boric acid. We regret to say the use of these is not illegal,

and they are largely used in preserving milk, butter, hams, etc. We

have seen very serious illnesses produced in children (and adults too)

by the heavy doses they have got when both the farmer and milk vendor

have added these preservatives. This they often do at the season when

the milk easily turns sour. Every care should therefore be taken to get

milk guaranteed free from these noxious drugs; and if this is

impossible, condensed milk should be used instead. As there is a great

variety of brands of condensed milk in the market, always choose one

which guarantees that the milk taken has been whole milk, and also

unsweetened.

Infants' Sleep.--_See_ Children's Sleep.

Infection.--Few things have so great and distressing effect as the fear

of infection in disease. As a rule this fear is not justified by the

facts, where ordinary precautions are taken. These precautions, too,

need not be costly, and involve in many cases little more than some

careful work. Where scarlet fever has shown itself in any household,

the very first thing is to see to the continuous freshening of the air

in the sick-room and in all the house. Ventilation is, indeed, the

first and most important method of disinfection. Chloride of lime and

other disinfecting fluids will decompose the offensive and noxious

odours, but pure air will sweep the organisms of disease themselves

away. Fresh air kills the microbes of certain diseases, _e.g._,

consumption, and is hostile to all disease. The stools of typhoid

patients should be disinfected, and great care taken that no water or

other fluid is contaminated by them through imperfect sanitation, etc.

(_see_ Fever, Typhoid). Seeing that the seeds of disease are all around

us, the best method of warding off their attacks is to keep the body in

a state to resist their inroads by strict attention to diet, exercise

and ventilation. Let all be done also, by fires if necessary, to

thoroughly _dry_ the room and house. See that all the family breathe

fresh air by night as well as by day; have open windows where and when

possible.

Acetic acid is as powerful a disinfectant as carbolic acid, in

proportion to its strength, and has the advantage of being harmless,

unless in the glacial form.

In all cases of infectious disease these precautions are almost certain

to prevent its spread, with, in addition, the special ones given under

the head of the disease.

Inflammation, Deep-seated.--Often inflammation occurs in the centre of,

or beneath, a mass of muscle, as the hip or thigh. We refer not to the

formation of an ABSCESS (_see_), but to the violent, hot inflammatory

action that often _issues_ in an abscess. For this the treatment should

be strong moist heat applied to the back, where the _nerve roots_ of

the inflamed part lie, and _persistent_ cooling of the part which is

painful. The heat may be by bran poultice, fomentation, or hot-water

bag and moist flannel. The cold must not be ice, but only cold water

cloths frequently renewed.

It is curious to see how people are frightened at the only thing that

gives relief, and not at all at that which does the most damage. A

gentleman wrote us once that he had had eighteen blisters on, but was

afraid to apply a cold cloth. We wrote him that if he still lived after

eighteen fly blisters, he would surely not die under a cold cloth. They

will say they have tried so many things. We reply, that if they had

tried a million wrong things, and shrunk from the right one, they would

be only so much the worse.

If there is local swelling, and signs that an abscess is forming, then

treat as recommended for Abscess.

Inflammation of the Bowels.--_See_ Bowels.

Inflammation of the Brain.--_See_ Brain. _See also_ Knee; Limbs,

Inflamed; Lungs, etc.

Inflammatory Outbreaks.--Sometimes a severe out-break and eruption will

occur in and around the nostrils or lips, and spread over the face. (If

of the nature of erysipelas, treat as under that head.) In ordinary

cases, there is need for more than local treatment, as it is probable

that more or less failure in the skin exists. Also the feet will be

most probably cold and damp. Let these be bathed (_see_ Bathing Feet),

and dried. Then rub them with CAYENNE LOTION (_see_) for some ten

minutes, until in a glow of heat. Dry well, rub on hot olive oil, and

dry again. Do this twice a day for a week. Warm and dry stockings must

be worn. The skin of the back will probably be found dry and rough.

Wash it down daily with SOAP (_see_) and hot water, and rub with warm

olive oil. After a week of this treatment, probably the eruption will

be much lessened. If it is still troublesome, apply cool cloths to the

whole head, avoiding the sore parts, until it is generally cooled down

and the skin softened, or the head may be, instead of this, packed in

lather of the soap already mentioned. (_See_ Head, Soaping). For the

sore itself, apply weak vinegar or _very weak_ ACETIC ACID (_see_), and

a little olive oil after. But it is best if it can be healed in such

cases without any local application, through the general treatment of

feet and skin.

Internal Relaxation.--Pain is often felt in parts of the back or sides

which will yield to no medicine such as usually relieves. This most

probably arises from relaxation and swelling of some internal part of

the body, so that there is more or less constant pressure on some

nerves. It will be worse after fatigue or long standing, or any mental

worry and excitement. This shows us that one thing necessary to cure is

_rest_: entire rest if possible, if not, as much as can be taken. It is

well to find out the _easiest_ posture in which to lie, and spend as

much time as possible in that posture. Seek, also, by applying cold

cloths to the painful parts, to reduce the swollen tissue. There may

also be required fomenting of the feet and legs (_see_ Angina Pectoris)

to prevent chill during this cooling. Often pain in the urinary organs

is due to nothing but this relaxation, and yields to such treatment.

Rest, however, is a primary necessity in all such cases.

Itch.--_See_ Rash.

Jaundice.--This disease, or its approach, may be known by several

signs: a more or less yellow colour of the skin where otherwise white;

a yellowness of the whites of the eyes, and failure of the bowels to

act sufficiently, with lack of appetite. It may come on gradually, or

may be induced suddenly by some disgusting mouthful or sight which

affects the nervous system, and through this the liver and stomach.

Where a disgust, or, as the Scotch call it, a "scunner," is taken at

any food, especially with children, they should never be forced to eat

it. Jaundice may follow if they are so forced. Those having the care of

children should always remember this.

The cure is found first in nursing the sympathetic nerves, by a

fomentation for an hour of the whole length of the middle of the back,

oiling before and after with olive oil. Four hours later treat the

stomach and bowels in the same way. In another four hours foment the

feet and legs similarly. All this time give a tablespoonful of hot

water every ten minutes. Then rest for twelve hours, and repeat the

cycle of treatment. During the twelve hours' rest, the hot water may be

taken in sips, as desired by the patient. If there is pain in the

region of the liver, foment that region more strongly. If severe, place

a bran poultice on above the liver, and keep it on all day, or even for

twenty-four hours if the patient is comfortable in it. By the second

day there should be a marked improvement.

Kidney Complaints.--_See_ Urinary Troubles.

Knee, Swelling of, or Pain in.--For ordinary slight injuries, complete

rest, and rubbing with spirit lotion, should be sufficient. But where

there is previous weakness, or constitutional tendency, even slight

pain and stiffness, caused by wet or some blow or wrench, the joint

must be treated thoroughly. Careless and wrong treatment may be given,

and result in severe lameness. We wish, however, to point out that the

treatment here recommended has cured many cases where this lameness

appeared hopeless, and even restored walking power in limbs which had

been ordered to be amputated by surgeons.

In the early stages of the trouble, it should be easy to cure in five

or six days. First apply the SOAPY BLANKET (_see_) at bedtime. Then,

about eleven o'clock in the fore-noon, place the leg so that the knee

is over a small tub or bath full of very hot water, as hot as can be

borne without pain. Pour this over the knee with a sponge or large soft

cloth for an hour, adding hot water as it cools. If the patient becomes

sick or faint, discontinue the bathing for a time. Dry the limb, rub

with olive oil, and dry again gently. At five in the afternoon repeat

the treatment of the knee. At bedtime sponge all over with hot vinegar,

rub with hot olive oil, and put to bed. If the joint has been

stiffened, gentle efforts to move it may be made during the treatment.

Sometimes during this treatment boils will break out over the knee and

discharge a good deal, but as soon as their work in removing disease is

done, these will heal up. Generally, however, this will not occur. The

diet may be such as we recommend in cases of ABSCESS (_see_).

In bad cases, the treatment may be continued for weeks before much

favourable change is noted. Patience and perseverance, however, will

win the day. The soapy blanket should not be given oftener than three

times a week, and a rest from all treatment on the Sabbath is best.

_See also_ Housemaid's Knee.

Often in cases of knee pain and trouble, when local applications have

little power, a BRAN POULTICE (_see_) on the lower back will effect a

speedy cure. Sensible people will, of course, study and apply fresh

treatment in such cases. Where the knee, for instance, is in the _hot_

stage of inflammation, hot applications will be injurious. In such a

case, cold cloths on the knee, with bran poultice on the lower back,

will be the proper treatment. Try heat first, and if it is hurtful,

vary the treatment to cold and heat, continued as above.

Here, again, is a knee which gives its owner excruciating pain, and

shows only a little swelling and no sign of diseased matter whatever.

The hot fomentation and cold towels have both been tried, but there are

now and again symptoms that show us that the root of the evil has not

been reached. We try cold cloths on this knee, but they greatly

increase the pain. We at length suspect that it is not the knee that is

seriously diseased, but the root of one or more of the nerves that

supply the link from the lower part of the spine. By this time the pain

has returned into the knee dreadfully, and everything has failed. But

very soon after a large, thick towel, folded and wrung out of cold

water, having plenty of mustard spread on it, is placed across the

haunches, relief is given in the most charming fashion. The cold cloth

absorbs superfluous heat, and superfluous vital action to a certain

extent, but the mustard draws it out so much more speedily and

powerfully that the deep-seated roots of the nerves are reached and

cooled down to their normal action. The pain ceases, and the poor

sufferer blesses the mustard. We are just describing what actually

occurs.

Sometimes a prejudice arises against heat. If, for example, an inflamed

knee has been strongly heated during the hot stage of the trouble, the

pains and injury will have been greatly increased. But one way or other

that hot stage of the trouble has been got over, and now without heat

it is impossible to cure. The patient, however, and probably the nurse

waiting upon him, are decided against all hot appliances. These do so

much mischief that it is believed to be out of the question to try them

again. It may be that the prejudice is so strong that you simply can do

nothing; it may not be quite so invincible as that. If you are able to

point out that it was only because the heat was applied at a wrong

time, or in far too great strength, and that now, since the

inflammatory power is spent, heat will be sure to have a good effect,

if it is only carefully applied, the prejudice may be removed. We have

seen a patient in this stage, and with both knees bad, wrapped in a

large hot blanket fomentation from the ankles to above the knees; and

he was constrained to exclaim, "That's the right thing, beyond all

doubt." Then there is no more prejudice.

Sufferers should not be disappointed if for a week or two they are not

sensibly better. In some cases the effect is apparent in four or five

days, but generally a fortnight or three weeks pass without much

encouragement. We see great despondency sometimes just before all pain

disappears. Still, as a rule, the new health is seen in the cheek and

eye very soon. Where a _violent_ inflammation is obviously proceeding

in the knee, the TURNIP POULTICE (_see_) is the best remedy. If there

be great heat in all the body, there will be little or no need for

heating any part; judgment must be used for each individual case in

these matters. While resting as much as possible, the patient will find

it best to lie on the back, with the sore knee supported a little

higher than the body. A gently applied bandaging of the whole limb is

also very beneficial, and may be used for all weak limbs, even when the

patient is walking about.

In the treatment of stiffened knees, even where accidental bending of

the joint gives very great pain, it is a grave mistake to put the knee

in splints to prevent bending. What is wanted is to encourage bending

as far as that can be done without much pain, so that the joint may not

permanently stiffen. Even where, by the use of splints, permanent

stiffness seems to have been brought on, the warm-water treatment

recommended above will bring about a loosening and softening of the

joint, which will permit first of a slight bending, and then, with

gentle encouragement, a complete flexibility. The _complete_

restoration of the limb should be the object kept in view. No case of a

stiffened joint, although it may be free from pain and disease, can be

regarded as satisfactory, and hence treatment should be persevered in

until all stiffness is gone. Common sense will direct as to hot and

cold applications, when to apply each, and how long to continue either;

the patient's comfortable feeling being the very best guide. We are

glad to know of very many apparently hopeless limbs saved by our

treatment, even where it has been imperfectly carried out.

Lacing, Tight.--This produces such serious deformity, and in many ways

so interferes with the health of women, that we are constrained to

write upon the subject. We find in cases which come before us that

lacing, both of the feet and the waist, as practised by our women, has

caused disease, and prevents our curing it. To begin with the lacing of

boots. There is a certain form and size of foot which are supposed to

be graceful. To obtain this, boots unsuitable in shape, and far too

small in size, are used, and tightly laced down upon the foot and

ankle, preventing circulation of the blood in these important parts.

This causes corns and misshapen toes and nails; but its bad effects are

also felt throughout all the body. We have pointed out in other

articles the great curative power of bathing or fomenting the feet. The

tight lacing of boots produces exactly the opposite effect. It is as

powerful to injure as the other to cure. Cold feet are the cause of

many most serious troubles. To keep tight-booted feet warm is almost

impossible. True neatness abhors all such mistaken treatment of the

feet. Moreover, no supposed good shape, in body or feet, can ever

produce the impression of beauty which good health never fails to give,

so that the tightly-booted high-heeled girl or woman defeats her own

object.

A yet more serious evil is the wearing of corsets. From this comes very

much of the ill-health from which women suffer. The stomach, liver, and

other organs are forced downward, their proper blood supply is cut off,

and indigestion, constipation, headache and backache are the inevitable

consequence. The pressure of these organs causes falling of the womb

and the terrible troubles which employ two-thirds of the fashionable

surgeons. These have not failed to denounce the folly which brings so

many patients to them.

Dr. Herbert Snow, the great authority on cancer, and physician to the

London Cancer Hospital, attributes almost wholly to the use of corsets

the fact that for one man who dies of cancer two women die of it. The

compression of the womb makes it specially liable to be attacked, while

the rubbing of the hard edge of the corset on the breast sets up cancer

there.

Besides its evil effects on the abdominal organs, the lungs also

suffer, the ribs are prevented from expanding and so the wearer can

never breathe as deeply as is necessary. The muscles of the abdomen and

trunk are greatly weakened; indeed to this is due the fact that a woman

who is accustomed to corsets has great difficulty in giving them up.

She feels as if she would "come to pieces" if not supported by them.

The exercises given in the appendix will help to restore tone to these

muscles, and with perseverance in these, vigor and health will return,

and the deformities such as flat or hollow chest, drooping shoulders,

and protuberant abdomen, caused by muscular weakness, will disappear.

[Illustration: A Normal Waist.]

[Illustration: A Corset formed Waist.]

As we have said (_see_ Skin, Care of) clothing should be loose and

porous in order that the skin may perform its functions. Corsets are

both tight and impervious. The constriction of any part of the body by

tight bands, and the hanging of the clothes from the hips, are highly

injurious.

It is frequently urged that corsets are necessary if a woman is to have

well-fitting clothes and a neat figure, but this is by no means the

case. We illustrate a "good health waist" which has the advantage of

allowing freedom of movement and respiration, producing no constriction

of any part, and yet being well-fitting. Buttons are arranged, as shown

in the illustration, to support the skirts so that their weight falls

equally from the shoulders. This waist can be had from the Good Health

Supply Department, 451 Holloway Road, London, N., who will send

particulars on receipt of a post card.

[Illustration: Good Health Waist (_back view_)

Good Health Waist (_front view_)]

Lancing Swellings.--See Abscess.

Lather, How to make.--One of the most powerful soothing influences

which can be had, is found in the lather of M'Clinton's soap, so often

recommended in these pages. Applied to the skin over a stomach which

has been rejecting all food, and even retching on emptiness, for hours,

it will almost at once stop the irritation. Applied to the head it is

invaluable (_see_ Brain; Head; Hearing, etc.), and in many cases we

have known it perform almost miracles of soothing effect. But the

lather must be rightly made, and none but this soap used, if good

results are to be got. Lather is first _Soap_, secondly _Water_, and

thirdly _Air_, so wrought together to make a mass like whipped cream,

or only a little more fluid. To get this, dip a _good_ shaving brush in

hot water, rub it on the soap a little, take another slight dip of hot

water, and work the brush in the hollow of the left hand patiently,

until you have a handful of fine creamy foam, sufficiently solid not to

run like water, and yet as soft in its consistency as cream. There is

in the hand just the temperature, consistency, and shape that are

required for working the lather, and no dish can properly replace it.

The lather is to be gathered from the hand with the brush (a soft

badger's-hair one preferred), and laid with it on the skin of the

patient wherever necessary. Then another handful is quickly made, and

so on until the required surface is covered. Or the lather may be

transferred to a hot dish, placed over a bowl of boiling water, till

enough is ready. After the application, a soft handkerchief may be laid

loosely on, and, if the lather is to remain on as a pack, a dry

covering put over this.

[Illustration: Lather ready for application.]

In many cases where it is inconvenient to apply the lather direct to

the skin, it may be spread on a warm cloth of soft and clean linen or

cotton, and this laid over the part to be treated before it is cold.

This will also apply where the patient is too weak to sit or lie in the

position required for lathering the skin. A dry cloth must be put on

the top of the soapy one, and all fastened on by proper wrapping. In

cases, however, where the skin has to be lathered in order to soothe

the nervous system or to allay irritation of internal organs, it is

well, if at all possible, to apply the lather direct to the skin, as

described above.

Lather of this soap, made in this way, may be spread on the most

sensitive sores (when ulcers have eaten through both outer and inner

skins) with only a very slight feeling of smarting to the patient, and

with the most healing effect. It is very different with soda soap made

in the usual way. When the skin of the head has got inflamed (as we saw

in the case of a child the other day, where the back of the head was a

matted mass of most distressing sores), it is charming to see the

effect of this lather. We took a number of handfuls of it, and soaked

the matted hair and inflamed skin till the poor child looked up with an

expression of astonished relief.

Legs, Pricking Pains in.--Sometimes curious pricking pains are felt in

the legs, becoming so severe as even to confine a patient to bed.

Nothing can be seen on the skin, and no swelling or other visible sign

of trouble is present. Evidently this requires treatment more

particularly of the nerves, which go to maintain a proper balanced

state of feeling in the skin where the pricking is felt. The patient

must give up using alcohol in any form, and should rest in bed. In

treatment we do not look to the skin itself, but rather to the nerves,

to effect a cure. There is a failure at the nerve roots, and indeed the

patient will usually be weak and nervous generally. A popular remedy in

such a case might be arsenic, which must be avoided, as likely greatly

to injure instead of help. The cure is in increased nutrition of the

nerve substances, by rest and light dietary. _See_ Biscuits and Water,

Diet.

Limb, Saving a.--The proper growth of the body in any part depends on

the power furnished by the nervous system and the cells of that part.

This power enables these cells to use the nutritive substance in the

blood for the formation of new tissue. By this process, growth in the

healthy body is continuous through life, replacing equally continuous

waste. But this all depends on a due balance of power in the process.

Suppose one eats more than can be changed into healthy tissue, the food

may all go into blood, but the nervous power of the cells is

insufficient to deal with it. Sluggish living in bad air, tobacco, or

alcoholic drinks, will all cause this. Then some slight wound or bruise

is received, and the overloaded blood fails to act healthfully and heal

this. A sore is formed, most likely somewhere in the foot or leg, and

the limb goes from bad to worse in spite of all efforts, while this

_inequality_ between the blood and the tissues continues. This goes on

perhaps for years, and no effort is made to remedy it. Such a case may

often be very easily cured, even where doctors pronounce it hopeless,

if the patient will submit to proper regimen and treatment. Let the

limb be thoroughly bathed, as far above the knee as possible, with

water as hot as can be borne (_see_ Bathing Feet). Pour into the water

about half-a-pint of strong vinegar. Keep up the heat for an hour.

Repeat three times each day--at 11 a.m., 4 p.m., and at bedtime. Rest

from treatment on the Sabbath. When perspiration follows this bath, dry

the patient all over, and rub with vinegar. Dry this off and rub with

olive oil. Dry again, and put on clothes.

When we have to foment a foot or knee in long heatings or bathings, we

find it well sometimes to cool the lower part of the spinal nerves, and

remove all irritation of them.

Then for _diet_, let the patient go on good wholesome wheaten biscuits

(_see_ Biscuits and Water) three times a day as food, and pure water,

with no alcohol of any kind, to drink. And let him give up the use of

tobacco entirely. Many times over, when limbs have been condemned by

the medical men, we have seen them saved in this way. We have seen the

same treatment save arms and fingers, reducing them from swollen and

unsightly sores to perfect shape and complete usefulness.

Limbs, Disjointed, or Sprained.--In the case of an overstretch, or

sprain, which has resulted in a hardened, swollen, and painful state of

the muscles of the arm, bathe the arm in hot water, using plenty of

SOAP (_see_). While the arm lies in this bath, gently squeeze it with

both hands, so as to make the muscles work gently over one another, and

the blood run out and in to the stiff parts. Care must be taken to

avoid hurting the patient. No such effort is needed as to require great

strength--only so much squeezing as urges the blood out of the part

squeezed, and lets it in again when the pressure is taken off.

Persevere in this for half-an-hour, dry, and rub with warm olive oil.

Do this twice daily until the arm is restored.

In the case of a broken or disjointed arm, FOMENTATION (_see_) should

be vigorously applied until proper surgical aid can be had to set the

bones. Even where a joint has been a long time out, such fomentation

persevered in will soften the part, and permit of proper setting of the

bones. Cold is unfavourable--cold water a decided mistake in such a

case.

Of course a surgeon should be employed; but if no medical aid can be

obtained, a person who understands anatomy may replace a disjointed

limb by fomenting and oiling the muscles thoroughly, and then watching

for a time when they are relaxed, and when the patient's attention is

not fixed on the joint. This is the moment to slip the bone into its

place. If medical aid can be obtained, it is always safe, while waiting

for the doctor, to foment the broken or disjointed limb. Also a wet

compress worn over the disjointed limb will, with the fomentation, make

it much easier for him, when he comes, properly to set the bones.

When two bones in any part of the body are disjointed, the cords and

muscles which tend to keep them firm in their ordinary position usually

draw the ends past each other so that they overlap. To get the joint

right, the bones must be drawn until the ends can pass each other, and

then they must be brought into their proper position. Compare the

disjointed bones with those same bones in a right position in some

one's body, and thus you will see how they may be drawn right. There is

a way of manipulating the muscles and tendons that in most cases

renders it unnecessary to use much force, therefore the inexperienced

should never draw forcibly. Sometimes a joint will repeatedly fail in

this way. In such a case it may be supported; but means must be used by

hot fomentations to strengthen the joint, and general rubbing,

especially on the spine, must be used to increase vital force.

Limbs, Drawn-up.--We have had many cases of contracted limbs, arising

from various causes. Some of these have been completely cured, even

when the tendons or _cords_ which were contracted were going to be

_cut_ by medical advice. In one case, however, of which we knew, the

medical man ordered the very treatment we employ.

In the first place we must have EXERCISE (_see_). This may be given by

massaging the back and limbs with a gentle squeezing motion for

half-an-hour twice a day (_see_ MASSAGE). Use hot olive oil for this

rubbing, and _persevere_. If the feet be sweaty, rub them with the

CAYENNE LOTION (_see_). But the effective cure will be found in the

careful and persevering rubbing and pressure.

Sometimes we find that a failure occurs in the large haunch joint

itself, and that is not only shown by pain and stiffness, but by one or

more sores that discharge matter, indicating that the bone is diseased.

At the same time, the sinews of the limb affected give signs of

contraction, and the heel soon refuses to come to the ground in

walking. There is clearly a lack of vital energy, such as is wanted to

heal the bone and nourish the leaders in this limb: this lack may have

been showing itself for years. Apply the ARMCHAIR FOMENTATION (_see_).

Soon the sores begin to put on a healthier appearance, and ere long

they heal up. With this and the rubbing, the sinews begin to relax and

lengthen out, so that the heel comes nearer the ground. The limb may

even have become smaller than the other, but it grows so as to come up

with the healthy one: this will be the case though the fomentation is

done equally to both. It is a curious thing that the body is so

constituted that general healthy growth tends to bring on weaker parts

more rapidly than stronger ones, so as to restore proper proportions.

The new force applied to the roots of nerves on both sides of the spine

does not make the healthy limb grow so as to keep in advance of the

weakened one; it makes the weakened one grow so as to come up with the

healthier. You do not therefore need to confine the fomenting to one

side; it is better to apply it equally to both sides, and to leave the

laws of the constitution to arrange all matters as to proportion. These

laws never fail to do so perfectly. In the hands of a really skilful

surgeon, much may be done to remedy diseased bone by the modern methods

of antiseptic treatment and operation, but where these are not

available, the above treatment has most excellent effects, and has

sometimes cured where the surgeon has failed.

Limbs, Fractured.--It is not always easy to say definitely whether a

bone is broken or not. In general, however, the following are signs of

fracture:--(1) Loss of power in the limb; (2) Swelling or pain at the

injured spot; (3) Distortion of the limb, usually shorter than natural;

gentle pulling makes it temporarily regain its natural position; (4)

When the limb is gently moved, it moves at some spot between the

joints, and a grating sound is heard; (5) In case of a bone which lies

near the skin, a touch will perceive the irregularity due to the

fracture.

Pending the surgeon's arrival, if there is a fracture, do not attempt

to move the patient till the limb is so secured that the broken bone is

prevented from moving. If the arm bone is broken, put one splint inside

and another outside the arm, and tie two bandages, one on each side of

the fracture. Sling the arm in a small arm-sling like the straw

envelope of a bottle.

If the thigh be fractured, get a long splint, such as a broom handle or

a rifle, placing it from the pit of the arm to the foot. Bandage around

the chest, the hip bones, legs, and feet, and then by two bandages, one

above and the other below the fracture.

[Illustration: A Broken Thigh.]

If the leg bone or bones be broken, an umbrella makes a good splint.

Another splint should be applied on the inside of the leg, the two

firmly bandaged together, and finally the legs tied together.

[Illustration: A Broken Leg.]

If the knee-cap only be fractured, tie the leg on a splint from hip to

foot, and keep the limb raised.

Almost any firm substance which can keep the limb at rest can be used

for a splint, but if hard it should be padded. If the fracture is

accompanied with severe bleeding, stop the flow first before attending

to the fracture. (_See_ Wounds.)

Limbs, Inflamed.--Entirely different treatment from the above is needed

for such a thing as inflammation of the elbow, wrist, shoulder-joint or

knee.

Say it is an inflamed elbow that is to be treated. We describe this;

but similar treatment, with very slight variation, such as common sense

will suggest, answers for the other joints.

Have two large plain towels wrung out of cold water, and folded so as

to wrap six ply thick round the elbow. See that the patient is

otherwise warm. Place one of the towels round the joint, and gently

press it (avoiding pain) so as to draw the heat out of every part. When

this is hot substitute the other, and continue with fresh cooling--for

an hour if necessary. The cloth may require to be changed perhaps

thirty times; but the guide to this is furnished by its heating. When

hot, change it. This may be repeated frequently, until the inflammation

is subdued.

Limbs, Uncontrollable.--This trouble is found in the double form;

first, of limbs which will not move when their owner desires to move

them; and, second, limbs moving in excessive jerks when they are not

desired to do so. These cases are often combined, the limbs being rigid

at one time and jerking violently at another. There is no wasting or

unhealthy appearance. We have found this condition caused by excessive

walking, running, and standing, combined with exposure to frequent

wettings. The result is, in essence, that _motor_ power in the limbs is

in excess, while _controlling_ power is defective: the case is indeed

similar to St. Vitus' Dance (_see_). Bathe the feet (_see_ Bathing

Feet) in hot water, and apply cold towels folded and wrung out of cold

water (but not iced) along the spine. Keep this up for an

hour-and-a-half at a time. By that time the hard rigid feeling in the

limbs will probably have disappeared, but great helplessness will be

felt. You have removed the excess of motor energy, and must now

increase the voluntary energy. This will be accomplished by gently

rubbing the back and limbs with hot olive oil, as in Limbs, Drawn-up.

This treatment, repeated daily, will usually soon cure.

Liquorice.--_See_ Constipation.

Liver, The.--Where biliousness prevails, without any symptom of real

liver disease, it is well first to look to the state of the stomach and

bowels. Take a teacupful of hot water twenty minutes before meals, and

the liquorice mixture (_see_ Constipation) after meals. Then give a

strong blanket fomentation to the feet and legs for an hour in the

evening. If there be pain or feverish heat in the region of the bowels,

press cold cloths over the painful part while the feet are fomented.

When the liver is really swollen, hardened, or painful, the pulse will

either be quick with feverish symptoms or slow with coldness. If it be

a feverish case, press cold cloths over the liver, changing them when

warm, for an hour: at the same time foment the feet and legs as

directed above. See that there is heat enough to make the patient

comfortable under the cold applications. Inflammation of the liver will

readily yield to this treatment.

When the case is a _cold_ one with slow pulse, use no cold cloths, but

apply fomentations over the liver, as well as to the feet and legs.

Smoking and alcoholic drinks must be entirely given up--these habits

are peculiarly severe on the liver. The treatment will not be likely to

cure in a day or in a week, but patient perseverance with the

fomentations should eventually effect a cure. Too rich food throws a

great strain on the liver, and a plain and spare diet with prolonged

mastication is necessary with above treatment if a cure is to be

effected.

Locomotor Ataxia.--This disease is a most difficult one to deal with,

and any healing is very slow work. Patients past middle life are

specially difficult cases, but we have known cure, or at least great

mitigation in younger persons by the following treatment. Beginning,

say on a Tuesday, let the lower back be well rubbed with hot olive oil,

the patient sitting with the back to the fire, and well covered, except

where being rubbed. Continue this rubbing for half-an-hour and not

longer than three-quarters-of-an-hour. On Wednesday, soap the back well

with soap lather (_see_) and after the soap rub with oil again. Next

night, rub with acetic acid (Coutts's) full strength, until the skin is

red and smarts moderately. Repeat this on Friday, and on Saturday and

Sabbath do nothing. On Monday rub with acid again, and on Tuesday,

etc., proceed as before. All treatment is best done at night, and the

patient must be kept warm. He should also spend as much time as

possible in the open air.

Lumbago.--Lumbago differs from both paralysis and cramp of the lower

back in that it is not chiefly nervous, as these are, but is a trouble

in the muscular substance itself. The muscles are either sprained or

chilled, so as to have lost for the time their elasticity. Blistering,

burning, and all such irritating treatment are only so many helps to

the disease. The true method is found in gentle moist heating of the

lower back by a BRAN POULTICE (_see_), not too hot, but renewed, if

need be, for an hour each evening. Follow this up with a rubbing with

hot olive oil. Wear a belt of new flannel round the body night and day

in winter, or if exposed to cold. The treatment is simple, but if

persevered in, cures most obstinate cases.

Lungs, Bleeding from.--This is usually taken as a most alarming, and

even hopeless, symptom. It is not necessarily so at all, and even when

a considerable amount of blood is lost, the patient may recover.

Therefore, let friends not be frightened when this occurs, but bend

their energies to proper treatment, and all danger may be averted. All

alcohol must be avoided; it is most hurtful in such cases. Pack the

feet and legs in a hot blanket FOMENTATION (_see_) and press cold

cloths gently and equally over the chest or back where the blood is

felt to be coming from: thus you stimulate the enfeebled nerves and

brace the relaxed lungs at one and the same time. Relief will usually

be felt at the end of two or three minutes. Continue the application

till all pain and uneasiness are gone.

_Before_ taking the legs out of the warm pack, dry the chest carefully,

rub it with warm olive oil, and wrap it up in good new flannel. Then

take out the feet and dry them well; rub them gently and well with warm

oil, put on a pair of soft cotton stockings, and allow the patient to

rest. Squeeze an orange and give him an orange drink (_see_ Drinks).

When you have used this fomentation to the feet, and cold cloths once

or twice, it will be well to place a large bran poultice across the

lower part of the back, taking care again that this is only comfortably

hot. When you have had the benefit of this once or twice, you may place

a similar poultice between the shoulders; but this only after you have

so far succeeded in cooling down the inflamed lung or lungs, as the

case may be. During the whole of the treatment it will be well to watch

what is agreeable to the sufferer. It is not only that a certain

treatment, or degree of treatment, comforts, but that it comforts

because it heals. Move the patient as little as possible during

treatment, and do and say all possible to soothe the mind.

The whole treatment should be gone over a second time within twelve

hours. The second day give one application of the treatment only, and

repeat once again the third day. Except for the first time, the

treatment may be limited to half-an-hour. Avoid hot food or drink, but

it is not necessary to have it positively _cold_. This treatment we

have found perfectly successful in many cases.

Lungs, Congestion of the.--Treatment as below. Read preceding and

succeeding articles.

Lungs, Inflammation of the.--This is a common trouble in our climate,

and, fortunately, one not difficult to cure if taken in time and

properly treated. It is usually the result of a chill, and is

accompanied with pain and inability to breathe properly, distressing

fever, and often delirium. To begin with, all its evils arise from the

relaxing of the vessels of the lungs, so that these swell, and the

excess of blood causes inflammatory action to supervene. To guard

against it, then, those influences must be avoided which reduce

vitality; where they cannot be avoided, all must be done to counteract

them. Mere exposure to cold or wet, unless accompanied by exhaustion

from hunger, or grief, or other influence of the kind, rarely causes

this trouble.

Where the trouble has set in, the treatment is the same as recommended

above in Lungs, Bleeding from. If the patient be a very strong person,

and the fever very great, the fomentation to the feet may be dispensed

with; but if any uncomfortable coldness is felt, or the patient not

above average strength, it should always be applied. No one who has not

seen it can imagine the magical effect such treatment has. It is

simple, but its efficiency has been demonstrated in a very large number

of cases of cure.

Malaria.--Is now known to be conveyed by the bite of a certain kind of

mosquito. Those who live in a malarious district should carefully

exclude these from their houses, and by draining swamps and covering

water butts prevent their breeding, which is always in stagnant water.

If, however, exposure to infection cannot be prevented, much may be

done to strengthen the system to resist it. Firstly, note that there is

a great deal in the _food and drink_ of a family compelled to live in

such a district. If they live largely on animal food, and drink

alcoholic liquors, they will seriously add to the power of malarial

influence. The use of simple food and _pure water_ will very much

lessen it. Let us note that the very opposite of the popular

superstition is the truth. A single glassful of gin, whiskey, or

brandy, instead of "fortifying" against such infection, actually knocks

down the "fortifications" which nature has reared against its power.

These drinks, then, must be strictly avoided.

[Illustration: Muscles of Back

(Surface muscles removed on right side exposing the

deeper ones).]

[Illustration: Massaging the Back.]

[Illustration: Massaging the Back.]

Massage.--This seems a very simple thing to do, but is by no means easy

to do right, and it is very desirable that any one who can see it done

by a qualified person should take advantage of the opportunity. The

rubber must keep his attention closely fixed on the work, and though

this is fatiguing to body and mind, it is absolutely necessary if the

patient is to derive full benefit from the treatment. The skin should

first be lightly rubbed with olive oil; except in very special cases

"friction" between hand and skin is to be avoided. The hand should move

the skin to and fro over the muscles and bones beneath, and should be

always elastic, so as to go easily in and out of the hollows, and avoid

violent contact with projecting bones in the case of emaciated

patients. The good rubber should know anatomy so far as to understand

where bones and muscles lie (_See_ Diagram, page 216). An intelligent

moving of all the muscles of a part is almost equal in benefit to

gymnastic exercise, and can of course be given to those for whom

gymnastics are out of the question. Yet such rubbing may fatigue a very

weak patient, and care must be taken not to carry it too far at one

time. There should also never be any hurting of the skin. Where the

hands are felt too rough, the back may be covered with a soft cloth,

oiled with olive oil. All _strong_ strokes in rubbing the limbs should

be directed _inwards_ to where the limb joins the body. The lighter

strokes should be outwards. It is always well to have a light and heavy

stroke, as a joiner has in sawing.

As an instance of how to squeeze, let us take an arm that has got wrong

somehow. If you take this arm between your two hands very gently, you

feel that it is harder than it should be. The large muscles, even when

the arm is at perfect rest, have a hard feeling to your hands, and not

the soft, nice feeling which a perfectly healthy arm has. Probably the

muscles have been over-stretched, and sprained, or they have been

chilled, and so have lost their elasticity and softness. Well, it will

be so far good if you can bathe this arm in hot water. It will be

better still if the hot water used is full of SOAP (_see_). You can

make this bathing ten times more effective, if you only know what is

meant by a proper squeezing of the muscles. You use your two hands in

the water of the soapy bath, and taking the arm between them, gently

press the muscles between your hands, with a sort of working upon them

that makes the blood in the stiff parts rush out and in, according as

you press or relieve the pressure. If you can only get hold of the

idea, it will not be difficult to do this right. It may be that the

cords of the arm are not only hard, but also contracted, so that the

arm cannot be straightened or bent as it ought to be, but it is still

so squeezable that you can squeeze the blood out of it, and it is still

so elastic that when you relieve it of the pressure of your hands the

blood rushes back into it. If this squeezing is kindly and slowly done,

it will feel very pleasant, and very soon its good effect will be

perceptible.

[Illustration: Massaging the Arm.]

It is sometimes thought that there is some "magic" in one person's

hands that is not in another's. Here is a case in which one person has

rubbed, he thinks, perfectly right, and no relief has come. Another

brings relief in a few minutes. It is concluded that some mysterious

"gift" is possessed by the latter. This may do well enough for an

excuse when you do not care to have the trouble of curing your

fellow-creatures, but it is not true. If we are to "covet earnestly the

best gifts," it must be possible for all of us to get them. "The gift

of healing" is surely one worth "coveting," and we think must be within

reach, or we should not be told so to covet it. _See also_ Head,

Rubbing the.

[Illustration: Massaging the Arm.]

Measles.--An attack of this disease generally begins with a feeling of

weariness. Then it appears as running and irritation of the eyes and

nostrils, at which stage it is often taken for a common cold, the

symptoms being very similar. Then this irritation spreads more or less

over all the breathing apparatus, and finally the eruption appears in

smaller or larger red patches, sometimes almost covering the face and

other parts. The usual advice given is to keep the sufferer warm. It is

good to do this so far as _avoiding chills_ is concerned, but if the

room be overheated and kept close and dark, only harm will ensue. The

blinds of the windows should be kept drawn up to their full height, to

admit as much _light_ as possible. _Fresh air_ should be admitted by

keeping windows open. If the patient complains of sore eyes, these may

be shaded by a screen, but not by lowering the blinds. This admission

of free air and light is a very great preventive of the "dregs" which

form so troublesome a feature in measles. The room can easily be kept

sufficiently warm by fire in winter, even if the window be open. The

patient must not be allowed to read or use his eyes much, or very

serious mischief may ensue.

When it first appears in eyes and nose, a good large BRAN POULTICE

(_see_) should be placed at the back of the neck and down between the

shoulders. Cold cloths should then be pressed over the brow and upper

face. Do this for an hour. Give to drink lemon or orange drinks (_see_

Drinks), taken hot, and in small quantities at a time. If this

treatment is well done several times, the trouble may possibly be

checked at the beginning. Where it has gone further, and cough shows

irritation of the air tubes and lungs, then foment the feet and legs

while applying cold cloths over the chest, as in BRONCHITIS (_see_). If

there be fever, and no signs of rash, then, to bring it out, pack in

the SOAPY BLANKET (_see_). Where this cannot well be done, a most

effectual pack is a small sheet wrung out of warm water and wrapped

round the whole body, with a blanket wrapped well round it outside to

retain the steam about the skin. But the soap is better. As a rule,

there is not much need for further treatment when the rash fully

develops. If, however, fever still remains, rub all over with hot

vinegar. This is best done in the evening.

When all fever has subsided, a good rubbing of the _back only_ may be

given with warm olive oil. This may be done once a day. The feet should

be watched lest they get clammy or cold.

For food, wheaten-meal porridge and milk food generally is the best. Do

not give too much food at first, and keep the bowels well open.

Medicines.--The delusion that health can be restored by swallowing

drugs is so widespread that we think it well to quote the following

wise words from the _Lancet_:--

"An eminent physician not long deceased was once giving evidence in a

will case, and on being asked by counsel what fact he chiefly relied

upon as establishing the insanity of the testator, replied without a

moment's hesitation: 'Chiefly upon his unquestioning faith in the value

of my prescriptions.' It might perfectly well be contended that this

evidence failed to establish the point at issue, and that faith in the

prescriptions of a physician hardly deserved to be stigmatised in so

severe a manner. But admitting this, there is still little to be said

in favour of the sagacity, even if we admit the sanity, of the numerous

people who spend money and thought over the business of physicking

themselves, and who usually, if not indeed always, bring this business

to an unfortunate conclusion. The whole tendency of what may be called

popular pharmacy during the last few years has been in the direction of

introducing to the public a great variety of powerful medicines, put up

in convenient forms, and advertised in such a manner as to produce in

the unthinking, a belief that they may be safely and rightly

administered at all times and seasons, as remedies for some real or

supposed malady. All this, of course, has been greatly promoted by

column after column of advertisement in magazines and lay newspapers;

but we are compelled to admit that the medical profession cannot be

held free from some amount of blame in the matter or from some

responsibility for the way in which drugs have lately been popularised

and brought into common use as articles of domestic consumption.

Medical men have failed, we think, sufficiently to impress upon the

public and upon patients that the aim of reasonable people should be to

keep themselves in health rather than to be always straying, as it

were, upon the confines of disease and seeking assistance from drugs in

order to return to conditions from which they should never have

suffered themselves to depart. The various alkaline salts and

solutions, for example, the advertisements of which meet us at every

turn, and which are offered to the public as specifics, safely to be

taken, without anything so superfluous as the advice of medical men,

for all the various evils which are described by the advertisers as

gout or as heartburn, or as the consequences of 'uric acid,' do

unquestionably, in a certain proportion of cases, afford temporary

relief from some discomfort or inconvenience. They do this

notwithstanding persistence in the habit or in the indulgence, whatever

it may be, the over-eating, the want of exercise, the excessive

consumption of alcohol or of tobacco, which is really underlying the

whole trouble which the drugs are supposed to cure and which at the

very best they only temporarily relieve, while they permit the

continuance of conditions leading ultimately to degeneration of tissue

and to premature death. This is the moral which it is, we contend, the

duty of the profession to draw from the daily events of life. The

natural secretions of the human stomach are acid, and the acidity is

subservient to the digestive functions. It cannot be superseded by

artificial alkalinity without serious disturbance of nutrition; and the

aim of treatment, in the case of all digestive derangements, should be

to cure them by changing the conditions under which they arise, not to

palliate them for a time by the neutralisation of acid, which may,

indeed, give relief from present trouble, but which leaves unaltered

the conditions upon which the trouble really depends. Those who look

down the obituary lists of the newspapers will be struck by the fact

that large numbers of people, in prosperous circumstances, die as

sexagenarians from maladies to which various names are given but which

are, as a rule, evidences of degeneration and of premature senility,

while many who pass this period go on to enter upon an eighth or ninth

decade of life. The former class, we have no doubt, comprise those who

have lived without restraint of their appetites, and who have sought to

allay some of the consequences thence arising by self-medication, while

the latter class comprises those who have lived reasonably, and who, if

annoyed by imperfect digestion, have sought relief by ascertaining and

by abandoning the errors from which it sprang."

Among the most pernicious and dangerous of all the patent medicines on

the market are the so-called "Headache Powders," whose almost

instantaneous effects testify to the potency of the drugs they contain.

Such powerful agents carry their own condemnation, for they cannot in

the nature of things _remove the cause_ of the pain; hence their action

is limited to narcotising the nerves. The disease continues, the damage

goes on, but the faithful sentinels are put to sleep. These headache

powders so increased the deaths from heart failure in New York City a

couple of years ago that it became necessary to warn the public against

them.

Memory, Loss of.--A more or less complete suspension of this faculty is

a not uncommon form of mental and bodily illness. We do not so much

mean the mere fading of past impressions as the loss of power to recall

them, so that we cannot recall what we wish to remember. This is a

result of any serious bodily weakness. It will come on through any

exhausting exertion, or prolonged and weakening illness. Stomach

disorder will also cause it. In this last case, drinking a little hot

water at intervals will usually put all right. A cup of very strong tea

will so derange the stomach in some cases as to cause temporary

suspension of memory. We mention these cases to prevent overdue alarm

at a perhaps sudden attack. The loss of mental power in such cases does

not always mean anything very serious.

Just as the stomach affects the memory, so also much use of memory and

mental strain tells severely upon the stomach. Digestive failures in

strictly temperate persons often arise from an overstrain of the mind.

We explain these two actions, the one of body on mind, and the other of

mind on body, so that care may be taken, on both sides, of the complex

nature we possess. If this is done, there will be little chance of

memory failing.

Mind in Disease.--Often a person, because of physical failure, becomes

possessed of an utterly erroneous _idea_, which no reasoning can change

or remove. Indeed, reasoning in such cases is best avoided. Attention

should rather be directed to the physical cause of the mental state,

with a view to its removal. Very probably you will find there is want

of sleep, with a dry hard state of the skin of the head, and too high

an internal temperature. You may then work wonders by soaping the head

(_see_ Head, Soaping). The back also should be soaped similarly. If too

great a cooling effect is produced by this, wipe off the soap and rub

hot olive oil on the back instead. If this is not sufficient, rub the

limbs also with the hot oil. We have seen the most pronounced insanity

yield to this treatment, where the cause has been _physical_ and not

mental. The secret of success is in so balancing the heat and cooling

applications that the utmost possible soothing can be given without any

chill.

Miscarriage.--An expectant mother should lead a quiet, orderly and

healthful life (_see_ Child-birth). By this we do not mean laziness nor

idleness, nor treating herself as an invalid. On the contrary, plenty

of work, both physical and mental, and regular exercise are most

beneficial, but care should be taken that work should not go the length

of over-fatigue, and excitement, worry and anxiety should be carefully

guarded against. The round of parties and other social functions into

which many brides are drawn, frequently becomes the cause of

miscarriage and other troubles. Any excitement, mental or physical, is

most injurious, and the husband and wife who sacrifice present

enjoyment will be richly repaid afterwards in the greater vigor and

healthiness of the child; while those who live for the present will

often have bitter regrets of what might have been.

If any weariness, heaviness, or pain are felt in the region of the

abdomen, groin, or back, half-a-day, a day, or a few days in bed

should, if possible, be taken. If any appearance of bloody discharge be

noticed, there is decided danger of miscarriage, and the patient should

immediately go to bed, remaining, as far as possible, perfectly flat on

the back until the discharge ceases. It is even useful to raise the

feet higher than the head, by placing bricks or blocks under the feet

of the bed. The covering on the bed should be light, only just what is

necessary to keep one comfortable, and the windows should be kept open.

Light food should be sparingly taken for a day or two; not much liquid,

and nothing hot should be drunk. A towel, wrung out of cold water,

placed over the abdomen or wherever pain is felt, and changed when warm

for a fresh cold towel (_see_ Bleeding), will help to soothe the pain,

allay the hemorrhage, and induce sleep. The mind should be kept at

ease, for such precautions, taken in time, will probably put all right.

After the hemorrhage has entirely ceased, and all pain disappeared,

some days should be spent in bed, and active life be only gradually and

cautiously returned to. When there is danger of miscarriage, purgatives

should be avoided; a mild enema is a safer remedy, if needful, but for

two or three days perfect rest is best, and if the food be restricted,

the absence of a motion of the bowels will not do any harm. The patient

should, of course, have the bed to herself.

Miscarriages most frequently occur from the 8th to the 12th week of

pregnancy. The time at which the menses would appear if there were no

pregnancy, is a more likely time for a miscarriage than any other.

It should be remembered that miscarriages are very weakening and

lowering to the general health, and to be dreaded much more than a

confinement. The latter is a natural process, and, under healthy

conditions, recovery of strength after it is rapid, while a miscarriage

is unnatural, and is frequently followed by months of ill-health.

Another thing to be remembered is that a habit of miscarriage may be

established; after one, or more especially after two or three, there is

likelihood of a further repetition of such accidents, resulting in

total break-up of health.

Muscular Action, Weak.--The heart is the most important of all muscles.

Sometimes the action of this is so weak that the pulse in the right

wrist is imperceptible, and that in the left extremely feeble. The

heart may be beating at the usual rate, only its stroke is much too

feeble; and the effects are found in enfeebled life generally,

sometimes shown in fainting fits. If such come on, lay the patient flat

on his back, and if consciousness does not return shortly, apply a hot

FOMENTATION (_see_) to the spine.

Sometimes this heart weakness is only a part of a general muscular

failure. Muscles elsewhere in the body may even swell and become

painful. If strychnine be prescribed, refuse it. It has only a

temporary power for good, soon passing into a wholly bad effect.

Thoroughly good vapour baths will effect some relief, and may be taken

to begin with. The best remedy is found in gentle rubbing and squeezing

the muscles in every part, specially attending to any that may be

swollen and painful. Squeeze gently the muscular mass, so as to press

the blood out of it. Relax the pressure again so as to admit the blood.

Where no help can be had, we have known a patient so squeeze herself as

to restore action to a useless limb. But of course it is best if it be

well and frequently done, say twice a day, by a really careful operator

who has some idea of anatomy. This may seem a simple remedy, but we

have known two inches added to the length of a shrunken limb by its

means, and the patient restored from apparently hopeless lameness to

fair walking power. _See_ Massage.

Muscular Pains.--These pains occur usually when a patient has been for

some time in one position, sitting or lying, and rises suddenly in a

particular way. They sometimes take such hold of the breast or back

muscles as to make it appear as if some serious disease were present;

even in the limbs they may cause great distress on any sudden motion.

They may arise from a gradual _overdoing_ of the muscles concerned.

They are similar to what is commonly called a sprain, but as they are

_gradually_ produced their cause is often overlooked, and needless

distress of mind caused by taking the pain for that of cancer or some

such trouble. We write to point out that pains do not always mean

serious disease, and before any one becomes despairing about their

health, they should make sure they understand their case thoroughly.

These pains, too, refuse to yield to ordinary hot and cold methods of

treatment. The remedy is found internally in half a teaspoonful of

_tincture of Guaiacum_ in a teacupful of hot water three times a day.

After two or three days, a teaspoonful of the tincture may be taken in

the cup of water. Continue until two ounces of tincture have been used.

Or the tabloids of _Guaiacum and sulphur_, now found in our drug shops,

may be taken, one tabloid representing the half-teaspoonful of

tincture.

Externally, rub gently yet firmly the affected muscles with warm oil

for ten minutes or so once a day for a week or ten days. Of course,

rest must be taken, and the overstress which caused the trouble avoided

in future.

Mustard Oil.--Where this is recommended the cold-drawn oil is meant,

not the essential oil. The latter is a fiery blister.

Narcotics.--The use of these to give temporary relief, often

degenerating into a habit, causes so much serious disease that we have

felt constrained to insert an article warning our readers in regard to

it. The use of tobacco we have found a fruitful source of dangerous

illness. It tends to destroy nerve power, and through this to relax the

muscular system. It has a most dangerous effect upon the mind, relaxing

the brain, and even causing some of its functions to cease. It hinders

clear reasoning, and in many cases brings on incipient paralysis. It is

a fruitful source of cancerous diseases of the mouth. It destroys

keenness of vision. It is of no use to quote exceptional cases in such

an argument. Great men have smoked, as some great men have habitually

drunk, to excess. But that is no argument for the average man of whom

we speak. The very difficulty he has in giving up the use of tobacco

indicates a diseased state of the nerves, which no wise man will

willingly bring on himself.

The effect of the continued use of opium, chloral, and many drugs taken

to gain soothing or sleep is _dreadful_: so much so that we have seen

patients who were deprived of them, after some time of continuous use,

perfectly _mad_ with agony. Let our readers remember that the relief

given in using such drugs comes from a benumbing of the vital nerves.

Their influence is _deadening_, and, if strong enough, kills as surely

as a bullet. The wise medical man will, if he does administer such

drugs, take care they are only taken once or twice. If a doctor orders

their continual use he is to be distrusted. By all means let our

readers avoid the terrible snare of ease and sleep obtained through

narcotics. It is generally easy to give relief, in the various ways

described in these papers, without resort to any such hurtful methods.

Suppose that you try a very hot application to the roots of the nerves

affected, if you can guess about where those roots are. The doctor

should help you to know this. The hot poultice is put on--we shall say

it fails to relieve. Well, you put on a cold application at the same

place. That relieves slightly. Whichever of the applications relieves

should be followed up vigorously. Do not say, "Oh, it gives relief for

a little, and then the pain returns." Follow up the little relief, and

change from heat to cold as the pain or relief indicates. You can do no

possible harm by such processes, and in multitudes of cases all will

soon be right, and no opiate required at all. But you must not think

all remedies at an end when you have tried one or two singly, and

relief does not yet come. The large hot poultice may be put on the

roots of the affected nerves, and ice-cold cloths placed on the

branches of these nerves at the same time. Then the cold ice cloths may

be placed on the roots and the hot on the branches. But remedies are

not exhausted, by any means, when you have thought of two or three

applications of heat and cold. The whole nerve system can be influenced

by the rubbing of the head and spinal region, so as to wake up a strong

increase of vital action in the nerve centres there. We have seen a

patient who had been for months under medical treatment, and in agony

except when deadened with narcotics, rendered independent of all such

things by a little skilful rubbing alone. Perhaps you object that these

remedies are "very simple." Well, that would be no great harm; but if

they are so simple, you are surely a simpleton if you let your poor

nerves be killed with morphia, while such obvious remedies are at hand.

(_See_ Massage.)

Neck, Stiff.--For this, rub the whole back with soap lather (_see_

Lather; Soap), and then with acetic acid and olive oil. Rub the neck

itself as recommended for Muscular Action.

Neck, Twisted.--This arises from the undue contraction of some of the

muscles in the neck. It generally shows itself first in the evening,

after the day's fatigue, and if neglected, or treated with blistering,

iodine, etc., may become a chronic affliction. Yet it is not difficult

to cure by right means. Opium should never be used. We have seen

terrible suffering follow its use. The true cause must be attacked,

which is an undue irritation of the nerve which controls one of the

muscles, so that it contracts and pulls the head away. The nerves of

the muscles which counteract this pull are also probably low in

vitality, so that there is a slackening on one side and a pull on the

other.

First of all, for a cure, there must be _rest_. Not more than three

hours at a time should be spent in an erect posture, and between each

spell of three hours let one hour be spent lying down. Avoid _all_

movement while lying, as far as possible. Secondly, soap the back

thoroughly with LATHER (_see_) at bedtime. Cover the well-lathered skin

with a large, soft cloth, leaving the cloth and lather on all night,

and covering over all with flannel in sufficient quantity to keep the

patient warm. If the spasmodic twitching comes on, apply cold cloths

repeatedly to the back of the neck for an hour in the morning. If this

is felt too cold, apply for a shorter time.

If the neck has become hard and fixed in a wrong position, rub as

recommended in Muscular Action. This treatment has cured many cases.

Nerve Centres, Failing.--Many diseases flow from this cause, but at

present we only consider one. That is where a "numbness" begins to show

itself in fingers and toes, and to creep up the limbs. No time should

be lost in treating such a case. It arises from failure in the spinal

nerves, and these must be nursed into renewed vitality. This will be

greatly helped by wearing over the back next the skin a piece of new

flannel. Rub (_see_ Massage) the back with warm olive oil night and

morning, working especially up and down each side of the spine. Pursue

this rubbing gently but persistently, but do not fatigue the patient,

which may easily be done. Cease rubbing the moment fatigue manifests

itself. Continue this treatment for weeks even, and also treat, as in

next articles, _mind_ as well as body. (_See_ Locomotor Ataxia.)

Nerve Pain.--_See_ Pain.

Nerve Shock.--After a fright, or some very trying experience, some part

of the nervous system is frequently found to have given way. Heat is

felt in the stomach. Then, if no treatment is given, curious feelings

come on in the back of the head. Even inflammation of the stomach and

brain may come on in severe cases. In any such trouble, alcoholic

drinks, blisters, opium, and all narcotics are to be strictly avoided.

These only lessen the already weak nerve power. Show the patient in the

first place that there is no need for anxiety, the vast majority of

such cases being easily curable by right treatment. We have seen this

relief of mind alone effect a perfect cure. Therefore see to giving it.

Wring tightly out of cold water two ply of new flannel, large enough to

go round the lower part of the body, from waist downwards to hips. Put

these round the patient, with two dry ply of the same flannel above

them. Wear this night and day for a week or a fortnight. Keep the feet

always warm and dry. Give plain, easily digested food. If St. Vitus'

Dance shows itself, treat as directed under that head. Study the case

in the light of all said on nervous troubles in these pages, and you

will be able to cure almost any symptoms which may arise.

Nerves, Shaken.--By this we mean, not the nerve trouble which follows a

sudden injury or fright, but the result of long-continued worry and

overwork. Sleeplessness, great irritability of temper, depressing

thoughts, restlessness, and even a wish for death, are all symptoms of

this trouble. In any effort to cure it, the _mind_ must be largely

considered. Thoughts of the constant care of a loving, Divine Saviour

for even the least of His children, must be encouraged. Work, which is

an intolerable burden when depressing thoughts are encouraged, will

become easy when these are removed. If you get the sufferer made

hopeful for time and for eternity too, you have half won the battle.

Again, in bodily matters, food or drink which is exciting must be given

up, or very sparingly used. Tea should only be taken weak, and _at

most_ twice a-day. Avoid long conversations, and especially discussions

and debates. Let the head be soaped (_see_ Head, Soaping) with soap

lather at night, and rub all over with hot vinegar and olive oil before

rising in the morning. Many a shaken nervous system will speedily

recover under such treatment. Take also _eight good hours_ for sleep,

and allow no ideas of business or work to intrude upon them. No more

valuable habit can be formed, by the healthy as well as by the nervous,

than this. The whole will should resolutely be bent to remove the

attention from every trying thought, when the hours of work are past,

and especially on retiring to rest. Always recollect that this _can_ be

_done_; assert mentally, or if necessary, audibly, that it shall. Do

not let initial failure disappoint you; persevere and a habit will be

formed. When the brain gets a fair rest in its hours of leisure, it is

usually equal to all demands in ordinary hours of work.

All brain workers, in their leisure hours should let the brain rest,

and if they must do something, let it be as diverse from their work,

and as easy on the thinking power as is possible. (_See_ Worry).

[Illustration: From "Furneaux's Elementary Physiology."]