434 OF THE SICK ROOM. 



small doses may still for some time be required after 

 meals, and in many instances certainly influence 

 favourably the latter part of digestive process, and I 

 think specially aid the assimilation of wine. Now and 

 then it will be necessary to give a mild purgative or 

 a simple injection. 



OF THE SICK ROOM. 



Of the Bed-room. The room which is occupied by 

 a patient suffering from febrile disease should be large 

 and well ventilated, but the position chosen for the 

 bed should be that most free from draughts ; for there 

 is no doubt that cold air in active motion playing over 

 the face of the patient is likely to excite catarrh or 

 inflammation of the air tubes or lungs, besides which, 

 to most persons, it is intensely disagreeable. And 

 with a little management, the free interchange of air 

 can be effectually provided for without subjecting the 

 patient to the miserable discomfort caused by moving 

 air constantly playing across his face. In mild weather 

 the window may be wide open, a sheet being drawn 

 across at a short distance in front of it, if the bed be 

 very near ; in winter, by the aid of a piece of thin board 

 so fixed to the upper sash that when the window 

 is opened a few inches, the current of air is directed 

 towards the ceiling. If muslin, or coarse gauze, or 

 fine netting be stretched over the opening, plenty of 

 fresh air may be admitted without the disadvantage 



