achievement of which an artist might be proud
to make a chronic patient comfortable in body, happy in mind, and
agreeable to others. Moreover, since success can never be attained by
one who wearies in well doing, the care given to a chronic invalid tests
not only the attendant's skill but also her moral and spiritual quality.

Care of a chronic patient has for its aims maintaining the patient's
health, rendering him as happy and comfortable in mind and body as it is
possible for him to be, and providing whatever special treatment and
attention his case requires. In order to maintain his health constant
attention must be given to diet, to hygiene of the sick room, and indeed
to all his surroundings. In many chronic illnesses, such as rheumatism
and kidney disease, the diet is prescribed by the doctor; in every case
care should be taken that the patient is not overfed or underfed, that
the food is suited to his digestive powers, that foods causing
flatulence are eliminated, particularly if the patient's trouble is
heart disease, and not the least important requirement, that he derive
as much pleasure from his food as possible.

The regular daily care of the patient and of his room, already described
in this book, should be scrupulously carried out, and no less
scrupulously during the tenth year than it was during the tenth day.
Cleanliness in every detail is absolutely essential to the patient's
welfare; no one is more unpleasant either to himself or to others than a
chronic patient who is neglected. Patients who are constantly in bed, it
should be remembered, and paralyzed patients in particular, are
peculiarly susceptible to pressure sores. If a patient is able, it is
extremely important for him to sit up in a chair part of the day.
Sitting up should never be omitted because it involves the expenditure
of time and trouble for the attendant.

It is often said that for most people some personal experience of
sickness is beneficial; it can safely be said, however, that no one
benefits from spending any considerable portion of his life in a state
of helplessness and suffering. Behavior and character itself are
determined by influences constantly coming into the mind from daily
surroundings and associations with other people: one who recalls this
fact needs only a moment's reflection to realize how ill adapted to
healthy development of mind and character are the limited lives of the
sick. Especially unfortunate is the situ