oat. She should rather feel thankful that the child escaped
so easily.

Since the introduction of antitoxin we do not see the severe cases now,
so that a description of them would not be of any use in a book of this
character. Mothers should, however, know that it is absolutely criminal
to take any chances with a "sore throat." Antitoxin is a prompt and an
absolute remedy if used soon after the onset of the disease. It is more
sure if used the first or second day, still reliable the third day, but
its efficacy diminishes the longer we postpone its use from the date of
the onset of the disease. When, therefore, a child complains of being
sick and states that its throat hurts, medical aid should be at once
sought.

The disease may develop in one of two ways. It may begin as a slight
indisposition for a day or two, and perhaps some soreness of the throat.
The fever may be slight. The child will continue to be sick despite any
treatment given and will get slowly worse until the fourth or fifth day,
when it will be impossible to mistake the condition.

At other times the disease begins abruptly. The child complains of being
sick. It may vomit, or suffer from headache, chilly feelings, and a
fever. The glands in the neck may swell and cause considerable
disturbance. There is, as a rule, an abundant discharge from the nose
and there is an excess of mucus in the throat. Membrane is seen in the
throat. It may cover the tonsils and spread over the entire throat
cavity, or it may extend up into the nose and over the roof of the
mouth. All the parts are much swollen and breathing is interfered with,
sometimes seriously. If the attack is very severe there is an active
absorption of poison going on from the throat which soon renders the
little patient intensely sick. There is marked weakness and prostration,
the circulation becomes poor, the pulse rapid and the child falls into a
stupor.

The physician will, of course, have taken complete charge of the case
before the patient has gone thus far. The nursing of the case, which may
fall to the mother if no trained nurse is present, is most important.
She should preserve absolute cleanliness of herself and of the sick
room. She should never eat or sleep in the same room with the patient,
and should use a gargle, which the physician should prescribe,
frequently during the day. She should dress simply, so that whatever is
worn can be changed often and washed easily. Every article of fu