498 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



quirements. It is the object of the present article to furnish a few 

 simple directions for the care of the sick that have the warrant of 

 practical experience. 



The first thing to be considered is the room itself. And the proper 

 time to consider it is when you build your house. But, as most of us 

 are forced to be content with houses already built, and built with no 

 reference in the mind of the architect to the probability of illness 

 among its inhabitants, it is only left for us to see how we may best 

 avail ourselves of such conveniences or inconveniences as we may 

 chance to have. There is always, at least, a choice of evils. 



The sick-room should be on the sunny side of the house, and have 

 plenty of windows. Only in exceptional cases, such as inflammation 

 of the eye or brain, is it necessary to have the room darkened, and 

 even then a south room, with the light carefully moderated by blinds 

 and curtains, is to be preferred to a darker one on the north side. In 

 the majority of cases, light, and not only light, but direct sunshine, is 

 to be desired, not only for the additional cheerfulness which it gives, 

 but because of its actual physical effects. Sunlight is a powerful 

 remedial agent. You put the drooping plants which you wish to re- 

 store to vigor in the brightest, sunniest spot in your house do the 

 same with the feeble and sickly human being for whose improvement 

 you arc so anxiously looking, and you will derive similar beneficial 

 results. 



The sick-room should be, as far as possible, remote from the noises 

 of the house and of the street. If, as is sometimes the case, this desid- 

 eratum is quite incompatible with the last-named, still, except where 

 there is great nervous irritability, give the preference to the sunny side, 

 even at some loss of quiet. 



Noise which is understood and inevitable is far less annoying than 

 would be a much slighter noise, unexplained or unnecessary. Inter- 

 mittent is more hurtful than continuous noise. Sudden, sharp, and 

 jarring sounds are especially to be avoided. Manage, if possible, to 

 have the room over your patient unoccupied. Modern houses are so 

 slightly built, and their vibrations so trying, that, unless you can so 

 arrange, you will often find it better to put your patient at the top of 

 the house, in spite of the fatigue of the stairs. 



Many slight and apparently unimportant noises, which are never- 

 theless peculiarly annoying to the sensitive nerves of the sick, may 

 easily, with a little care and forethought, be entirely done away with. 

 If you have coal to put on the fire, bring it in wrapped in a paper, 

 and lay it on paper and all. Oil the hinges of creaking doors. Fix 

 wedges in rattling windows. Keep rocking-chairs out of the room. 

 Avoid wearing clothes that rustle or shoes that squeak. Do not 

 whisper, either in your patient's room, or just outside his door. A 

 low, distinct tone, when conversation is necessary, will seldom annoy. 

 Whispering always will, as will any sound which creates strained at- 



