rate of potash, fifteen grains, or the
citrate of lithium five to ten grains. Stop the tincture of colchicum as
soon as the pain is relieved and then you can give wine of colchicum ten
drops every four hours, watching for irritation of the stomach, bowels and
kidneys.

Dr. Hare of Philadelphia says.--For hospital practice a very useful
mixture is made by adding one part of bicarbonate of sodium to nine parts
of linseed oil. The joint is then wrapped in a piece of lint soaked with
this concoction. In some cases oil of peppermint has been recommended. In
chronic gout Dr. Hare also gives for diet milk and eggs, the white meat of
chicken; fruits, cooked without sugar being added, are allowed. Tea and
coffee being used only in moderation. If any wine is taken it must be
followed by copious draughts of pure water and the last article should be
used ad libitum. On the other hand, pastries and, more than all, sweet
wines, are the worst things that such a patient can take, and must be
absolutely prohibited.

[318 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

RHEUMATIC FEVER (Articular Rheumatism).--Causes. This may be acute or
chronic. It is an infectious disease characterized by inflammation of
several joints. The joints are held in place by ligaments and are inclosed
by a thin membrane. In this acute rheumatism these parts become congested
and inflamed, there is redness and swelling, heat and pain. Fluid is
passed into the joint sometimes and then the parts look watery
(oeclematous). The inflammation and swelling cause great pain in the
joint.

Predisposing.--A damp climate, winter and spring, young adults and persons
who are exposed to damp, wet and cold.

Condition.--There is congestion of the soft parts of the joints and
effusion into the joint cavities of a watery fluid. Endocarditis,
pericarditis, myocarditis, pleurisy and pneumonia may complicate it. The
first named, endocarditis, is very common and as the mitral valves become
inflamed it is likely to leave valvular trouble unless carefully watched
and treated at the time.

Symptoms.--The invasion may be gradual, with a very tired feeling and
often tonsilitis; but it is usually sudden, with pains, soreness in one or
more joints and fever. The knees, ankles, elbows and wrists are much
affected, but it frequently goes through almost every joint in the body
and sometimes repeats the terrible dose. I know, for I had it twice. The
suffering, torture and pain sometimes are simply indescribable