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 mus