514 THE TREATMENT OF DISEASES. 



they are nearly always worse after an unusual exertion of the voice, as, for example, in 

 the case of ecclesiastics on Sundays. The elongated uvula frequently gives rise to a 

 tickling in the throat or to the sensation of the presence of a foreign body, especially 

 on bending the head backwards and on lying down. The sleep is frequently 

 disturbed from this cause. 



Our remarks 011 the treatment of relaxed sore throat are in a great measure 

 applicable to this complaint. If taken early, comparatively little difficulty will 

 be found in effecting a cure. In its early stages the treatment should consist 

 chiefly in the use of tonics, especially iron and quinine, the cold plunge or shower 

 bath, or sea-bathing and temporary change of scene and occupation. Two or three 

 glasses of port wine daily will prove of use. This, however, will not always effect 

 a cure. In more chronic and obstinate cases, iodide of potassium (Pr. 32), or bromide 

 of potassium (Pr. 31), or bromide of ammonium may be tried. It should be 

 borne in mind that iodide of potassium is a somewhat lowering and depressing 

 drug, and we should not advise its continuance for more than ten days unless 

 distinct benefit is perceived. Belladonna (Pr. 39) is often used with advantage, 

 particularly when the throat is ulcerated and of a bright red colour, and there is pain 

 on swallowing. A tincture of pokeweed (Phytolacca decandra) has been highly recom- 

 mended. The indications for its use are hoarseness, or loss of voice, with great 

 dryness and a feeling as of a lump in the throat. It should be taken in three-drop 

 doses, in a little water every three hours. It may also be used as an inhalation, or as 

 a gargle, the strength being twenty-five drops of the tincture to a quarter of a pint 

 of water. Wyeth's Chlorate of Potash Tablets are useful. 



The glycerine of tannin, of which we have already had occasion to speak so 

 highly (p. 468), is the application on which we should place most reliance. Any of 

 the inhalations, the formulae for which we have given (p. 469 and Prs. 104, 105, 

 and 106), may be tried with a fair prospect of success. Benzoic acid lozenges (Pr. 

 107) often act beneficially. A cold wet compress applied to the throat every night 

 at bed-time frequently proves a very effectual remedy. 



There are certain accessory modes of treatment to which it is of the greatest 

 importance to pay attention. In the first place the inflamed organ must have rest. 

 In the case of an inflamed knee-joint, the necessity for rest is at once acknowledged, 

 and 110 time is lost in devising means with this object ; but in the case of an inflamed 

 throat or larynx, it is usually the last thing thought of. Any one suffering from 

 clergyman's sore throat should be extremely careful not to exert the damaged organ 

 in any way. Even ordinary conversation should be carried 011 in an undertone, 

 and should not be prolonged. 



There is another point which is very commonly neglected. Every working man 

 requires one day's rest in the seven. The duties of a conscientious clergyman are 

 every bit as toilsome and far more harassing than those of a mechanic or day labourer, 

 and he should make it a rule to take a thorough holiday every Monday. It should 

 be a day of out-door recreation, and cessation from all work. This will in some 

 degree compensate for the great mental and physical expenditure involved in the 

 discharge of the duties of the Gospel on Sunday. 



Clergymen and lecturers often get into the habit of speaking in a voice which is 



