d if this vitality is not very
large, trouble ensues. Diarrhoea, cold feet, and lack of spirit and
appetite thus arise. If at this stage the lower limbs and body be
carefully fomented (_see_ Fomentation), all trouble may cease at once;
at least a very great deal will be done to relieve it. Give three
teaspoonfuls of warm water, slightly sweetened with pure CANE SYRUP
(_see_), three times a day. A little of the confection of senna will do
instead of this if desired. The fomentation must never be so hot or so
long at a time as to cause discomfort. Irritation is bad for a teething
infant, and all must be done soothingly if success is to be gained.
Also it will not do to foment and rub with oil a _feverish_ child. Such
cases must be treated differently, as we shall see, and it is easy to
distinguish them from cases without fever. Meantime we would say that
in many cases where vital force is low without fever, the treatment by
fomentation as described is of great value.

In regard to the artificial "cutting" of the gum by surgical
instruments, we would say that such should only be resorted to when the
tooth is very near the surface indeed, and by a careful surgeon who
knows what he is about. The irritation in the gums which makes it
thought of at all can be usually allayed by simple means. Let the
mother dip her finger in good vinegar and water, just strong enough to
slightly smart the lips, and rub it on the irritated gum. This can of
course be done often, and is most powerfully soothing. It may indeed do
all that is required. But if more general symptoms appear, such as
sleeplessness and heat in the head, cooling of the head is required.
Have two little caps made of _thick_ cotton cloth, one slightly larger,
so as to fit on above the other on the child's head. Wring the smaller
out of cold (but not ice-cold) water, and put it on. Press it gently on
the head, and if the heat and restlessness continue, cool it again,
perhaps twice or three times. When the restlessness is relieved, leave
the damp cap on the head, and place the dry one on over it. If the heat
returns, repeat the process. This treatment, though a mere cooling of
the brain, has saved ere now both reason and life, and should never be
lightly thought of or despised.

Often the stomach is seriously disordered during teething, both
vomiting and purging resulting. In small degree these are not
dangerous, but they are better avoided. If severe, they are the
beginnin