quick, the nails are of a bluish color, the tongue
is coated white, the eyes are sunken, and the patient has a corpse-like
appearance; the temperature of the body rapidly falls, the surface
becomes deathly cold, and, unless the disease is promptly arrested in
its course, speedy dissolution follows. The disease is rarely prolonged
beyond twenty-four hours, and sometimes terminates within three or four
hours after its first attack.

TREATMENT. The kind of medicine required depends upon the severity of
the attack and stage of the disease. In all cholera epidemics, there are
premonitory symptoms, such, as an uneasy sensation at the pit of the
stomach, and a rumbling of the bowels. This is apt to be followed by a
painless diarrhea, which occasions no alarm, and the patient pays but
little attention to it. Herein is the great and dangerous mistake. The
patient is already in the stage of _invasion_, which must be promptly
arrested, or he will suddenly be precipitated into the stage of
_collapse_. The patient should lie down, and have placed about him
bottles filled with hot water, thereby exciting warmth upon the surface
of the body. At the same time, administer two teaspoonfuls of the
Extract of Smart-weed. If the symptoms are urgent, repeat the dose every
fifteen minutes. Brandy, thickened with sugar, may also be given. In
either the stage of _invasion_ or _collapse_, the leading indication is
to establish _reaction_ by promoting perspiration. Bathe the feet in
water as hot as can be borne, give the Extract of Swart-weed freely, and
thus endeavor to excite profuse diaphoresis. No time should be lost, for
delays are dangerous. When the reaction is established, the patient
should remain quiet, and not attempt to exert himself.

After reaction has taken place, the sweating should be maintained for
twelve hours, and the patient should drink slippery-elm tea and
toast-water, and partake sparingly of soft toasted bread and chicken
broth. The food should be fluid and nutritious, but taken in small
quantities. Do not disturb the bowels with laxatives until the third day
after the patient begins to improve, and then they may be moved by an
injection of warm water. Great care should be taken that the patient
does not indulge too soon or too freely in the use of food. When a
skillful physician can be had, no time should be lost in securing his
services, but since in epidemics of this nature, medical men are
generally overworked, and