ves the starting. If _both_ head and feet are hot, then you
need only cool the spine.

In all cases, common sense must be used, but we think we have given
sufficient indication of principles to enable a thoughtful nurse or
mother to treat successfully almost any case. Where very cold cloths on
application cause shivering and crying, either use tepid cloths,
slightly cooler than the skin, or warm the _surface_ of the cold folded
cloth by holding for a short time to a fire, and then apply to the
patient. The warm surface thus first touches the skin, and afterwards
the cold in the body of the cloth penetrates gradually.

Temperature (_see_ Heat, Internal).

Tempering Treatment.--Much, if not all, of the success in any case of
treatment depends on its being properly tempered to the strength of the
patient. In putting on LATHER (_see_), for instance, a delicate and
nervous child will be greatly annoyed if soaped all over at once. But
if one arm be done and finished, then the other, then the breast, and
so on to the abdomen, the back, and the legs, _bit by bit_, the effect
will be soothing in the extreme. So with MASSAGE (_see_); so also with
applying a cold towel. If it chills and terrifies the patient when
suddenly "clapped on," common sense would suggest holding it to the
fire till the _surface_ is warm. This warm surface will give no shock
when applied to the skin, and the cold in the body of the towel will
gradually penetrate and do its work. Also, as we have frequently
repeated, the _strength_ of ACETIC ACID (_see_) must be carefully
looked to, when it is used. It must ever be remembered that some of the
finest and noblest spirits are inhabitants of frail bodies, which, with
right treatment, are strong enough, but suffer terribly in rough hands.

Thirst.--This forms a severe feature in many cases of illness, and has
to be treated variously according to its kind. It may be due first to
_dryness_ in the membranes of the throat and stomach; secondly it may
be due to a _concentrated_ or _deranged_ state of the juices of the
body; thirdly, it may be the result of a _burning heat_ in the body. It
will not be difficult for a careful person to say in any case which of
them is the cause. The nature of the disease will indicate it. A little
cold water may be given first. If this fails, a cold cloth over the
stomach (_see_ Changing Treatment) may be tried. If these are not
successful, a few tablespoonfuls of hot water may