for want of a better name, "nerve
force," or "nerve action," is at any one time a definite quantity. In
health it is distributed to all the sets of nerves equally, so that all
work in harmony. But if its distribution be altered in certain ways, we
find "fits" or "attacks" coming on. Action is greatly exaggerated in
one part, and as greatly lessened in another--hence violent movements
and complete unconsciousness co-exist. Children often have such fits.
Where they arise from _indigestion_ as a result of bad food, the cure
is found in teaspoonfuls of hot water, and a hot sitz-bath coming up
over the bowels. Where bad blood causes the fits, poultices over the
kidneys will usually help greatly. (For fits of teething children,
_see_ Teething.) _See also_ Epilepsy.

Nervousness.--This frequent and distressing trouble is to be traced to
a state of the nervous system in which sensibility has got the upper
hand, and self-control is partly lost. It is difficult accurately and
briefly to describe, but is an easily recognisable state. Firstly,
then, we say this is a physical trouble, and the patient must not be
blamed for it, but encouraged kindly to make every effort of _will_ to
throw it off. A strong will can be cultivated, just as a strong arm, by
_exercise_. Peaceful thoughts and Christian faith can also be
cultivated, and anxious and disturbing ideas put down. Uniform, steady
conduct on the part of all around is an enormous help to the nervous.
For physical remedies, use no alcoholic drinks. These give temporary
relief, but are fatal in their after effects. To cure nervousness is
impossible unless these are given up. The physical treatment necessary
will be found under Nerves, Shaken, and Nerves, Troubled.

Nervous Prostration.--Persons suffering from nervous prostration have
probably allowed the urgency of seeming duty to drive them on in work
till the vital energies have been fairly exhausted. At last they are
completely broken down, and the very fountains of life are dried up.
The brain itself has become incapable of giving sleep, or sound
thought. But there is no need for despondency: this trouble is
perfectly curable, only the right means must be employed.

In every case of real "nervous prostration," our question must be--How
shall we enable this vital element to recreate itself? The answer is,
with heat. Here we may detail the process which we know to be
successful. Dip a four-ply cotton cloth in cayenne lotion,