F.
The temperature should be tested with the nursery thermometer from
time to time to ascertain what results are being obtained. Spoiled
milk owing to a faulty refrigerator is to be blamed for many attacks
of acute illness among infants. Next to the feeding-bottles it is the
one thing in the nursery which should receive the closest attention.

THE MODIFICATION OF COW'S MILK

_Can cow's milk be fed to infants without any changes?_

No; for although it contains similar elements to those in mother's
milk, they are not identical, and they are not present in the same
proportions.

_Is this a matter of much importance?_

It is of the greatest importance. There are few infants who can digest
cow's milk unless it is changed. To change cow's milk so as to make it
more nearly resemble mother's milk is called _modifying_ cow's milk.

_How is this milk whose proportions have been changed distinguished
from the original unchanged milk?_

The changed milk is usually called "modified milk"? the original
unchanged milk is known as "plain milk," "whole milk," "straight
milk," or is referred to simply as "milk."

_What are the principal differences between cow's milk and mother's
milk?_

Cow's milk has a little more than half as much sugar; it has nearly
three times as much proteids and salts; its proteids are different and
much more difficult of digestion; its reaction is decidedly acid, that
of mother's milk is faintly acid or neutral.

_Are there any other important things to be considered?_

Yes; mother's milk is always fed fresh and is practically sterile.
Cow's milk is generally kept twenty-four hours and sometimes much
longer. It is always to a greater or less degree contaminated by dirt
and germs, the number of which increases rapidly (1) with the age of
the milk; (2) in proportion to amount of the dust or dirt which enters
it; (3) with any increase in the temperature at which the milk is
kept.

It is just as important for success in infant feeding that these
conditions receive attention as that the proportions of the different
elements of the milk are right.

_How is the acidity of cow's milk overcome?_

By the addition of lime-water or bicarbonate of soda. If lime-water is
used, one ounce to twenty ounces of food is generally required; if
soda is used, twenty grains to twenty ounces of food.

If there is a tendency to constipation the milk of magnesia
(Phillips's) may be used; from one half to one teaspoon