372 IMPOR TANCE OF NUTRIENT MA TTER 



loaded with fungi and germs of bacteria ready to 

 multiply. 



As I have already suggested, in the slightly feverish 

 condition, the treatment of which is. now under con- 

 sideration, little food is really required. Mutton 

 broth, weak beef tea,, camomile tea, and infusion of 

 many herbs (some of which are undoubtedly nauseous 

 enough) have been very strongly recommended for 

 their curative properties ; but their efficacy is mainly 

 dependent upon the quantity of water they contain, as 

 has been already mentioned. But, on the other hand, 

 the physician must never forget, that in many very 

 bad cases of fever in which nutrient matter is much 

 required, little can be taken, and life may be thereby 

 endangered. The patient not unfrequently rebels 

 against every kind of food, and if any be swallowed, 

 distressing vomiting is immediately excited, or the food 

 accumulates in and distends the stomach, doing harm 

 in many ways. Under these circumstances, we have in 

 some cases to feed the patient by enemata, while in 

 others we may rely for a time almost entirely upon 

 stimulants of some form or other, until the state of the 

 stomach improves. But it will be more convenient to 

 consider the question of giving stimulants in low 

 feverish conditions, under the head of alcoholic treat- 

 ment. See page 38 1. 



Occasionally every kind of food is spat out forcibly 

 as soon as it is taken into the mouth, and unless the 

 nurse displays good judgment and care, this rejection 



