TREATMENT OF DISEASES. 233 



From this state it passes into a sleep, and, on waliing some hours later, 

 quite well. 



Fits may attacli a child which is apparently well, and cause death imniedi- 

 ately, or it may have fits daily, or even several times a day, and linger on for 

 weeks. A child may have fits from a great variety of causes. Fits, therefore, 

 have a different meaning in different cases. But they always show that im 

 brain has in some way been disturbed. 



Treatment. — As fits are not a disease in themselves, but only a symptom 

 of some disease, the treatment must have reference to the cause. Sometimes, 

 while the fit lasts, it is wise to do nothing. But, if a fit come on suddenly, in the 

 case of a child previously healthy, it is generally safe to place it in a hot bath, 

 and at the same time to dash cold water on its face, or to pour cold water on 

 Its head, or hold on it a large sponge dipped in cold water. The hot bath will 

 draw the blood to the skin, and away from the overloaded brain. It will 

 quiet the disturbance of the system, and if scarlet fever or measles are about 

 to appear, it will bring them out. 



HYSTERIA— HYSTERICS.— Treatment.— To treat this complaint 

 successfully, it is necessary to search out its cause, and remove that Like the 

 whites, it is not so much a disease in itself, as a symptom. 



The first inquiry to be made should have reference to the real origin of the 

 complaint. Is it dependent upon inflammation of the ovaries or the womb, or 

 to displacement of this latter organ; or does it arise from the low state of the 

 blood, and tlie weakened condition of the nerves, acted upon by some irrita- 

 tion or heightened sensibility of the sexual organs. 



If dependent upon inflammatory disease, that is to be treated according to 

 directions elsewhere; if upon falling of the womb, no remedies will avail until 

 that is put in its proper place. If diluted blood and weakened nerves be the 

 cause, iron and quinine are the emedies. When the complaint arises from 

 deficient menstruation, iron and aloes will be serviceable. The nervous spasm 

 can sometimes be broken up by pouring cold water upon the head, or face, oi 

 limbs of the patient. 



The Hygienic and Moral Treatment are of great consequence. 

 The complaint is very much under the control of the will. Whatever tonea 

 the moral nature and strengthens the will, tends to subject this disorder to the 

 control of the patient. Plain wholesome diet, exercise, bathing, and the 

 enforcing, as far as possible, of a rugged, self-reliant habit, generally go far 

 towards breaking its force. 



TONGUE-TIED.— The tongue is fixed down to the lower part of the 

 mouth by a membranous cord, which prevents too great a degree of motion. 

 Sometimes the cord ties down the tongue of infants so much that they cannot 

 suck. This is supposed by the common people to be the case much ^ftener 

 than it really happens; and they very often request the surgeon to remove the 

 inconvenience; but so long as the patient sucks there is no occasion for any 

 operation. But it happens sometimes that the tongue is not perceived to be 

 ti«d till the child begins to articulate, and is prevented from forming certain 



