lenis: proper to inquire to hat : 
i: formal been liable—whether he hedtaken | mm 5 
mercury, quinine, &c., or suffered large eva b 
has a strong aversion to any particular drag, Es 
As many of the indications of cure may be answered by diet alent = 
it is always the first thing to be attended to. Those who know no 
better, imagine that every y thing which goes by the name of a. medi- » 
; cine, possesses some wonderful power or secret charm, and think — 
if the patient swallows enough of drugs, that he must do well. This 
mistake has many ill consequences ; it makes people trust to drugs, 
and neglect their own endeavors. . Medicines are nsefal: in their 
places, as mere handmaids of Nature ; and when admin , 
prudence, may do much good ; but. whats they are pt 
every thing else, or administered at random, they must do mischief. 
Every disease weakens the digestive powers.—The diet ought, 
therefore, in all diseases, to be easy of digestion. In inflammatory 
cases, as ‘fevers, pleurisies, &c., the food “should be light, and the 
drink diluent and mucilaginous, ‘the quantity to be regulated by the 
patient’s inclination. This regulation of diet is of equal conse- 
quence with the administration ‘of medicine, After an inflammato- 
ry fever has passed its crisis, and a craving appetite n 
may be indulged in more nourishing food, and in larger q 
always bearing in mind, to takea little at a time and oftener. 
In fevers of a slow, nervous kind, or agues, or in cases of extreme 
debility and wasting away of the flesh, where there are no symptoms — 
of inflammation, nourishing diet, and cordial, ‘ing drinks are 
: indispensable to acure. Nor is a proper attention. to. et o! 
portance in chronic than in acute diseases. Persons 
low spirits, wind, weak nerves, thin watery fluids, and hypochondriss 
cal affections, generally find more benefit from the use of solid food, 
chalybeate waters, and generous liquors, than from all the carmina- 
tive or other medicines that can be adminiStered to them. ' 
In consumptions, when the humors are vitiated, and the stomach 
so much weakened, as to be unable to digest the solid fibres of ani- 3 
mals, or even to assimulate the j juices of vegetables, a diet consist- 
ing chiefly of milk, especially that of a woman’s breast, will not only — 
support the patient, but will often cure the disease, w rey shee 
medicine has failed. ee ee aon 
Nor is the attention to other things of See fcoreranear” The 
strange infatuation which induces some people to shut up the sick 
from all communication with the external air, has done great mis- 
chief. Not only in fevers, but in many other ’ diseases, the patient 
will receive more benefit from having the fresh air prudently admit-_ 
ted into the chamber, than from ail the medicines which can be 
given him. - Bi 
Exercise may likewise be considered as a medicine, in many _ 
cases.—Sailing, or riding on horseback, for example, will be of more 
Service in the cure of consumptions, glandular obstructions, & 
any medicines yet known. In diseases which proceed fre 
‘State of the solids, the cold bath, and other partaoe the 
n, ets found eased beneficial 
