342 THE TREATMENT OF DISEASES. 



mind of an idle man that his time has been wasted, and that he is a mere burden on 

 the face of the earth. The intellect of a hypochondriac is usually of a superior 

 order, thus Shakespeare makes Hamlet, who may be regarded as a good type of a 

 hypochondriac, a courtier, soldier, and scholar, " the observed of all observers." 



A hypochondriac should be encouraged to engage in some active work. Probably 

 the best thing that could happen to him would be to fall in love with some one 

 besides himself, that is. The great thing is to have an object in life, something 

 to work at, something you can throw your whole energy into, heart and soul. Any- 

 one who has a tendency to be hypochondriacal should not be allowed to read medical 

 books of any kind. If once he gets into the hands of a designing quack, there is 

 no end to the mischief that may be done. Those little pamphlets that are thrust into 

 your hands in the street should be systematically rejected. The tale they tell is so 

 plausible that he must be a strong-minded man who can read them with impunity. 

 The best thing, and the safest course, is to have nothing to do with them. Then 

 there is another thing ; if a man is hypochondriacal it is of no use trying to laugh 

 him out of it, for you will not succeed. What he wants is help and encourage- 

 ment, and not " chaff." When the appetite is poor it is important to improve it by 

 quinine (Pr. 9), gentian and soda (Pr. 14), infusion of calumba or quassia, or something 

 of the kind, taken, of course, before meals. When there is indigestion, with constipa- 

 tion and sluggishness of the liver, nux vomica is the best remedy ; from five to ten 

 drops of the tincture may be given in half a tumbler of cold water three times a day. 

 Flatulence is often complained of, and three drops of cajeput oil taken on a piece 

 of sugar occasionally will move the wind better than anything. When there is 

 ansemia (see ANAEMIA) it will have to be removed by iron, which, if preferred, may be 

 taken in the form of one of the natural mineral waters. When there is failure of 

 strength, cod-liver oil is useful. When it cannot be borne, cream, butter, or some 

 other form of fat, will often agree better for a time. Pancreatic emulsion is some- 

 times taken with benefit. Sea-bathing proves especially beneficial, and when it 

 cannot be obtained it will be found a good plan to put a handful or two of sea-salt 

 into the bath in the morning. When constipation is the chief trouble it should be 

 remedied by a plentiful supply of vegetables and fresh fruit, rather than by medicines. 

 It is very essential to obtain natural, quiet sleep, to procure which the bedroom 

 should be fairly large and well-ventilated, and the bed should be free from drapery. 

 There must be sufficient, but not too much, clothing. If there be restlessness, it may 

 be relieved by a tepid bath the last thing before going to bed, or perhaps by briskly 

 rubbing the skin all over with a rough towel. Rest is important, but it is seldom 

 necessary to take more than nine hours' sleep out of the twenty-four. The hair 

 should be kept short, and the teeth should be well cleaned night and morning. 

 Dumb-bells are useful, and the best authorities recommend that their weight should 

 be in proportion to that of the individual using them, as pounds to stones. Thus 

 a man of ten stone should select instruments each weighing five pounds. Their use 

 gives flexibility and tone to the muscles, and promotes general activity. Should club 

 exercise be preferred, wooden bats are to be selected, about two feet in length, and 

 each weighing from three to nine pounds, according to the strength of the 

 individual. 



