on was so bad that the head could not be raised
from the pillow, but the person was in a few weeks as well as any one
could wish to be.

No one who has not seen how readily the surplus vital action passes out
of the system when simple cold is rightly applied, can imagine how
easily such cases are cured. It seems to us absurd to speak of "heart
disease" in many of the cases in which people talk of it and set the
case down as hopeless. It is absurd, simply because it is not heart
disease, but only a little more action than is comfortable, and which
is reduced in a few minutes by a cold towel. No doubt care and
willingness to work a little are required, if one would relieve a
sufferer in such a case as this, but that care and energy are sure to
have the best of all rewards.

Palpitation often arises from indigestion, in which case _see_
Indigestion.

Palsy.--_See_ Paralysis.

Paralysis.--This serious trouble in slighter forms affects one side of
the face, or even one eye only. More serious attacks involve the arm,
and even an entire half of the body. It may come suddenly, or may creep
slowly over the frame. In very old persons the case is usually
hopeless, as life itself is fading. In earlier life, and in less
serious cases, a cure is to be expected from proper treatment. Cupping,
blistering, or opiates must be avoided, as all tending to reduce vital
energy. Treatment must aim at increasing this, not reducing it. Take
first the case of paralysis slightly affecting the face. When the
patient is warm in bed, place a BRAN POULTICE (_see_) not too hot, on
the back of the head and neck. Let the patient lie on it, first rubbing
the neck and back of head with olive oil. Do this for an hour each day.
At another time wash the back of head and neck with SOAP (_see_) and
water, then with vinegar, and finally rub with hot olive oil. Keep the
parts warm with good flannel always.

If the whole side be affected, foment strongly the whole spine, and
treat it in a similar way to the back of the head, as prescribed above.
We have known cases of comparatively speedy cure by this simple means.
The heat simply vitalises the partially dead nerves. For paralysis of
the lower limbs, the treatment is applied to the lower part of the
spine principally, but also to the whole spinal system. There is no
fear of injuring the patient in this treatment, and we know of many
cases of most delightful cure secured by it. What is called the
ARMCHAI