likely soon to recover. An intensely interesting book fell into his
hands, altogether away from his track of toil. He read day after day at
this book. This was his "exercise"--that is, it was the activity of
that one only part of his physical system which needed such exercise
for the time. That exercise allowed all the other organs to recuperate.
Brain, Inflammation of.--This arises often from over-schooling of young
boys and girls. Care should ever be taken to avoid this. Obstinate
constipation in the bowels, chills and exposure, are also fruitful
sources. Much worry and anxiety also bring on this serious illness. All
sometimes combine to produce a bad case. Pain in the head sets in,
followed by convulsive attacks; yet the trouble may be cured in many
cases with comparative ease. Leeches, opium, and blistering are to be
avoided as most injurious. For treatment it is well to begin at the
feet; if these are clammy and cold, wrap in hot fomentation up over the
knees (_see_ Fomentation). Proceed to give a pretty warm injection of
water into the lower bowel (_see_ Enemas). This should be repeated
several times, allowing it to pass off each time. If this increases the
pain, try an injection of cold water. This treatment of feet and bowels
is most important, and should never be neglected; it renders the
treatment of the head tenfold more effective. Cold cloths may now be
gently pressed for some time over the head. If the pulse is violent and
feverish, let several towels be well wrung out of cold or even iced
water, fold one so as to cover the entire head and back of the neck,
and have the others ready, similarly folded. Press the first on gently,
especially at the back of the head, so that the cooling cloth covers
the head all over and soothes the violently heated brain. As soon as
one towel grows warm, take a fresh cold one. Relief should come in an
hour at least, but longer may be required. During the cooling see that
the heat of the fomentation on the legs is well kept up; change if
necessary. When the more painful symptoms abate, oil the lower part of
the back, and place on it a bran poultice (as recommended in Bowels,
Inflammation of). This will go far to prevent any relapse. If the
symptoms recur, use the treatment again. _See_ Brow, Weary; Eyes,
Failing Sight. _See also_, for other brain troubles: Restlessness;
Sleeplessness.
Brain Rest.--The need for this is often indicated by irritability of
temper. This comi
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