454 THE TREATMENT OP DISEASES. 



been considering, for if unaccompanied by palsy of the limbs there is really no cause 

 for anxiety. It is often supposed that the patient has had a stroke, and is in im- 

 minent danger ; but such is not the case. Sometimes the loss of power over the 

 movements of the face is accompanied by loss of sensation in the corresponding 

 part. Usually, sight is unimpaired and the tongue is unaffected, but the articulation 

 of some words formed by the lips may be difficult. Facial palsy may have a dura- 

 tion of from ten days to as many weeks; perhaps three or four weeks may be regarded 

 as the ordinary duration. Cases arising from cold or rheumatism nearly always do 

 well. Now as to the treatment. Hot fomentations are useful at an early period of 

 the complaint. Later warm douches, shampooing, and galvanism may be resorted 

 to. When there is any suspicion of a syphilitic taint, iodide of potassium may be 

 used with advantage (Pr. 32). Should a rheumatic or gouty habit be found in con- 

 nection with the palsy, colchicum (Pr. 33) or perhaps lemon-juice might exert a 

 beneficial influence. Iron (Prs. 1 7) is likely to be useful when an. anaemic condition 

 of the system exists. For Hysterical Paralysis, see HYSTERIA. 



PERITONITIS. 



By Peritonitis is meant inflammation of the membrane lining the abdomen. It 

 may occur in either sex and at all periods of life. It may come on from cold or even 

 without any apparent cause, and it may frequently occur in women who have been 

 recently confined, constituting a very serious complication. The prominent symptoms 

 are high fever and intense pain in the Stomach, aggravated by the slightest 

 movement, or even by coughing or sighing or taking a deep breath. 



These are not cases in which home treatment will avail you much. You had 

 better send for the doctor. In the meantime let the patient get to bed, give him 

 the Aconite Mixture (Pr. 38), apply linseed-meal poultices or hot fomentations to 

 the abdomen, and let him have ice to suck. 



PILES, OR HAEMORRHOIDS. 



The terminal portion of the bowel the rectum is subject to derangements as 

 numerous and varied as any organ of the body, although for obvious reasons we 

 ordinarily hear very little about them. These complaints not only cause intense 

 suffering, but give rise to an amount of depression and anxiety quite out of 

 proportion to their gravity. They usually spring from habits prejudicial to health, 

 being either engendered by sedentary pursuits or the result of over-indulgence in 

 the luxuries of civilised life. 



Piles, or hsemorrhoids, occur both in men and women, and are usually not met 

 with until middle age. Amongst circumstances favouring their formation may be 

 mentioned pregnancy, habitual constipation, the frequent use of powerful purgatives, 

 straining at stool, rich living, insufficient exercise, hereditary tendency, and a long 

 residence in tropical climates. They are much more prevalent in the upper classes 

 of society than amongst the labouring population. The latter live plainly, take 

 plenty of exercise in the open air, and seldom suffer from constipation. 



We shall discuss this complaint chiefly from a medical point of view. Of 



