as soon as the wonder at their operation has worn off, they have
lost interest for the child except that which he gets in breaking them
to see how the thing worked.

_What important things can be taught children with their toys and how
may this be done?_

The imagination may be developed, and children may be trained to
habits of neatness, order and regularity and to concentration of mind.

To this end toys should be kept in an orderly way upon a shelf in the
nursery or in a closet, never piled in a miscellaneous heap in the
corner of the room. Children should select their toys and play with
one thing at a time, which they should be taught to put away in its
place before another is given. They should never be allowed to have a
dozen things strewn about the room at one time, with none of which
they are occupied.

KISSING

_Are there any valid objections to kissing infants?_

There are many serious objections. Tuberculosis, diphtheria, and many
other grave diseases may be communicated in this way. The kissing of
infants upon the mouth by other children, by nurses, or by people
generally, should under no circumstances be permitted. Infants should
be kissed, if at all, upon the cheek or forehead, but the less even of
this the better.

CONVULSIONS

_What should be done for a child in convulsions before a doctor
arrives?_

Keep the child perfectly quiet with ice at the head, put the feet in a
mustard bath, and roll the entire body in large towels which have been
dipped in mustard water (two heaping tablespoonfuls of mustard to one
quart of tepid water), and have plenty of hot water and a bath tub at
hand, so that the doctor can give a hot bath if he thinks it
advisable.

_When is a hot bath useful?_

If the convulsions have continued until the pulse is weak, the face
very pale, the nails and lips blue, and the feet and hands cold, the
hot bath will be useful by bringing blood to the surface and relieving
the heart, lungs, and brain.

_How should the bath be given?_

The temperature should not be over 106 deg. F.; this should always be
tested by a thermometer if one can be obtained. Without this
precaution, in the excitement of the moment, infants have frequently
been put into baths so hot that serious and even fatal burns have been
produced. If no thermometer is available the nurse may plunge her arm
to the elbow into the water. It should feel warm, but not so hot as to
be at all uncomfortable. One half