of the most beautiful of our race are thus lost to
the world when they might easily be saved.
In some cases swollen glands are caused by bad teeth, running from the
EAR (_see_), sores or insects on the head, or inflamed tonsils. If such
causes are present, they should be removed. Extract bad teeth, cure
running ears, and properly cleanse the head. Gargle the throat for
swollen and inflamed tonsils with warm water, in which a little salt is
dissolved.
Gout.--Some have a predisposition to this most painful disease, and
require to keep a strict watch on their diet. Meat, specially the
internal organs, meat extracts, alcohol, tea, and coffee must be
avoided, and milk, buttermilk and porridge, cheese, eggs, and
vegetables, especially green vegetables, made into light and digestible
dishes, should be relied on solely. Further, the diet should be a small
one, most thoroughly and slowly masticated, and plenty of pure water is
advisable, in order to help the elimination of the waste which causes
the trouble. _See_ Uric Acid.
If the feet be affected, apply gentle heat to the lower part of the
spine by Fomentation (_see_). Sometimes a cold cloth on the lower spine
will soothe, but more often heat is the true cure. Wrap the sore foot
in softest cotton, and foment _very gently_ through this, using only
_warm_ cloths, and taking care to avoid giving pain. The cloths should
be just a little _below_ blood heat. Cold cloths are a serious mistake,
but at a temperature a little below blood heat a gentle soothing is
produced. Care must in every case be taken to do only what the patient
feels comforting.
Gravel.--Sometimes mere internal inflammation is mistaken for this
disease. In the case of inflammation of the bladder, apply a large hot
BRAN POULTICE (_see_) to the lower back, and change cold towels over
the front of the body where the pain is. Afterwards rub all parts over
with hot olive oil, and wipe dry. Take only plain food, oat or
wheat-meal porridge, Saltcoats biscuits, etc.
Where actual stones are formed, or a tendency to their formation
exists, all water drunk should be distilled, or boiled rain water.
Where stones are present the heat may be applied to the back, but _no
cold in front_. The soft water tends to dissolve the stones, the heat
assists in their expulsion from the body. Diet same as in GOUT (_see_).
Growth of Body.--See Limb, Saving a.
Guaiacum.--This drug is a West Indian gum, and is one of thos
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