m to remove disease; but it is only an _assistant_. While
emetics are occasionally useful in removing food and other articles
from the stomach that would cause disease if suffered to remain, and
cathartics are valuable, in some instances, to relieve the alimentary
canal of irritating residuum, yet the frequent administration of
either will cause serious disease.

1000. Although medicine is useful in some instances, yet, in a great
proportion of the cases of disease, including fevers and inflammations
of all kinds, attention to the laws of health will tend to relieve the
system from disease; more certainly and speedily, and with less
danger, than when medicines are administered.

1001. Thomas Jefferson, in writing to Dr. Wistar, of Philadelphia,
said, "I would have the physician learn the limit of his art." I would
say, Have the matrons, and those who are continually advising "herb
teas," and other "cure-alls," for any complaint, labelled with some
popular name, learn the limits of their duty, namely, attention to the
laws of health. The rule of every family, and each individual, should
be, to touch not, taste not of medicine of _any kind_, except when
directed by a well-educated and honest physician, (sudden disease from
accidents excepted.)

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

999. What is said of the use of medicine? 1000. Of its use in fevers
and many other cases of disease? 1001. What remark by Thomas Jefferson
to Dr. Wistar? What should matrons learn? What should be the rule of
every person in regard to taking medicine? What exception?

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

CHAPTER XLIX.

DIRECTIONS FOR NURSES.

1002. The nurse requires knowledge and practice to enable her to
discharge aright her duty to the patient, as much as the physician and
surgeon do to perform what is incumbent on them. Woman, from her
constitution and habits, is the natural nurse of the sick; and, in
general, no small portion of her time is spent in ministering at the
couch of disease and suffering.

1003. As the young and vigorous, as well as the aged and the infirm,
are liable to be laid upon the bed of sickness, by an epidemic, or
imprudent exposure, or by some accident, it is therefore necessary
that the girl, as well as the matron, may know how she can render
services in an efficient and proper manner. No _girl_ should consider
her education complete who is not acquainted with the principles of
the duties of a general nurse and a tem