SEA-SICKNESS. 493 



probably no derangement of organic function not absolutely a disease which causes 

 a greater amount of sufiering, and is more frequently fraught with real danger to 

 health, and even life, than sea-sickness. 



We will proceed at once to discuss the different modes of treating the distressing 

 malady. Some people have advocated the use of certain drugs and medicinal agents, 

 whilst others have relied solely on mental measures. These latter, it seems to us, 

 can be of use solely as adjuncts. That the mind does exert a powerful influence 

 over even such a frightful malady as sea-sickness no one can deny. This is stated 

 to be observed in a striking manner in shipwrecks, when danger instantly renders 

 everybody alert, even those who but a moment before were prostrate and recked 

 not what became of them. Not long ago a letter appeared in one of the papers 

 recommending people threatened with sea-sickness " to hum a tune with regular and 

 rather prolonged cadences." The writer says it proved most successful in his own 

 case, and warmly advocates its general adoption. It can hardly be expected, however, 

 that the passengers would consent to form themselves into a temporary choral 

 society, or that this mode of treatment could be successfully maintained during a 

 long voyage. Much importance has been attached to retaining the horizontal position 

 from the first moment of going on board, but this alone will not suffice to ward off 

 an attack. In fact, we could hardly expect that it would do so, for it is well known 

 that many animals whose position is not vertical suffer severely from sea-sickness. 

 Quite recently it was reported that an elephant crossing from Boulogne to 

 Folkestone was greatly distressed, and dogs are not unfrequently sick in crossing 

 the Channel. There is no doubt that one's position with regard to the vessel is not 

 without its influence. The nausea which with the face to the bow is trifling may 

 be increased to immediate vomiting by turning round into the opposite position for 

 a few minutes. In association with this fact it will be remembered that the motion 

 in a swing, which is agreeable as long as the eyes are open and the movement 

 watched, is changed to intense nausea as soon as the eyes are closed and the motion 

 unforeseen. Moreover, it is well known that many people feel sick when riding in 

 a carriage with their backs to the horses. 



Of late years the treatment of sea-sickness by means of the spinal ice-bag has 

 come into vogue, and the evidence adduced in its favour is very striking. It is 

 supposed that in sea-sickness there is an abnormal supply of blood to the spinal 

 cord, and it is obvious that upon this supposition any mode of treatment which 

 would reduce this quantity would prove beneficial. At first sight it would seem 

 that the application of ice to the spine would be anything but agreeable ; but those 

 who have used it are unanimous in asserting that, on the contrary, it is quite 

 pleasant. It is obvious that ice applied in bladders, or by any of the ordinary 

 methods, would occasion great discomfort, and would restrain the movements of the 

 patient, and compel him to remain for the most part in one position. The spinal 

 ice-bag is made of india-rubber, the mouth being closed by means of a clamp, 

 which effectually prevents the water from escaping as the ice melts. These bags, 

 which are usually known as " Chapman's spinal ice-bags," may be obtained from 

 most surgical instrument makers and druggists. The following si/es are made : 

 8, 10, and 12 inch, suitable for children ; 14, 16, and 18 inch, suitable for boys and 



