n frequently, and in small
quantities at a time; and upon approaching convalescence great
carefulness must be paid to the amount of nourishment allowed, lest the
disease be rekindled: strict compliance, therefore, to medical
directions must be given.

A very useful and indeed powerful remedy prescribed in this disease,
is sometimes rendered utterly useless from a want of a persevering and
also proper mode of applying it, viz. cold applications to the head.
It is to be effected either by means of cloths kept constantly wet with
cold water, or evaporating lotions; or by means of a bladder containing
pounded ice mixed with water. If the two former are employed they
require frequent renewal, or they become dry, hot, and more injurious
than useful; and whichever is used, it must be kept in constant contact
with the forehead, temples, and upper part of the head. Here is another
error; they are seldom used large enough, and only partially cover
these parts. With the further view of keeping the head cool, and
preventing the accumulation of heat, a flat horse-hair pillow should be
employed, and the head and shoulders somewhat raised.

Perseverance in the measures prescribed, even when the case appears
beyond all hope, must ever be the rule of conduct. Recovery, even in
the most advanced periods of the disease, in cases apparently
desperate, occasionally takes place. There is great reason to fear that
many a child has been lost from a want of proper energy and
perseverance on the part of the attendants in the sick room. They fancy
the case is hopeless, and, to use their own expression, "they will not
torment the child with medicine or remedies any longer."

"Whilst there is life, there is hope," is a sentiment which may with
great truth be applied to all the diseases of infancy and childhood.
Striking, indeed, are the recoveries which occasionally present
themselves to the notice of medical men; and those individuals may with
great justice be charged with unpardonable neglect who do not persevere
in the employment of the remedies prescribed, even up to the last hours
of the child's existence.

INDEX.

Ablution, or sponging, 125.

Abstinence, its good effect, in flatulence and griping in the infant,
50. 226.

Accidents and diseases which may occur to the infant at birth or soon
after, 187.

Acids, injurious to the teeth, 159.

Air and exercise, in infancy, 83.
--, in childhood, 89.
--, its importance to t