538 THE TREATMENT OF DISEASES, 



quarter of an ounce of isinglass. Let them stand till next day covered, then, 

 squeeze the juice of eight lemons upon half a pound of lump sugar ; when the 

 sugar is dissolved pour the lemon and water upon it, mix all well together, strain, 

 and it is ready for use. The following is a simpler method : Well rub two or three 

 lumps of sugar on the rind of a lemon, squeeze out the juice, and add to it kalf a 

 pint or a pint of cold or iced water, or, better still, a bottle of soda water. Acid 

 or acid and bitter drinks often prove very grateful A weak infusion of cascarilla 

 with a few drops of hydrochloric or nitric acid will be found useful. A glass of 

 bitter may be given with advantage if there is a desire for it. 



One of the most difficult problems to be solved in the treatment of fever is the 

 necessity for the administration of stimulants, and the quantity in which it should 

 be given. Great as are the beneficial effects of alcohol in many diseases, it should 

 always be borne in mind that it can do harm as well as good. Many people do 

 very well without any stimulant at all, and in no instance should it be given 

 unless there is some special indication for its employment. At the two extremes of" 

 life the powers of the body are easily depressed, and in young children and old people 

 stimulants are accordingly called for early, and must be freely used. In the aged 

 especially it is of great importance to anticipate prostration by the early employ, 

 ment of alcohol, for this condition once established is with difficulty overcome. 

 Young children prostrate with fever take stimulants with benefit, even in large 

 quantities. In a disease like typhus fever, in which the depression is very great, 

 stimulants are often called for early. The following practical rules will be found 

 useful : 



KrLES FOR THE USE OF STIMULANTS IN FEVER. 



1. If, after stimulants, the tongue becomes more dry and baked, they are doing harm ; if the 

 tongue becomes moist, they are doing good. 



2. If the pulse becomes quicker, they are doing harm ; if it becomes slower, they are doing 

 good. 



3. If the skin becomes hot and parched, they are doing harm ; if it becomes more comfortably 

 moist, they are doing good. 



4. If the breathing becomes more hurried, they are doing harm ; if it becomes more tranquil, 

 they are doing good. 



5. If sleep is produced, and delirium quieted, they are doing good. 



It should always be remembered that it is not the nature of the disease which is 

 the indication for stimulant, but the condition of the patient. People sometimes 

 ask how much brandy should be given in such and such a fever, but it is a question 

 which it is simply impossible to answer. 



The kind of alcoholic stimulant employed is not a matter of any very great im- 

 portance provided always that its quality is good. The patient's taste should, if pos- 

 sible, be consulted ; and brandy, gin, whisky, port, or sherry may be given. As 

 a rule, we should prefer port wine or brandy. Sometimes a combination, such as the 

 following, answers better than anything : Scald some new milk, but do not let it 

 boil. It should be put in a jug, and the jug. should stand in boiling water. When 

 the surface looks filmy, it is sufficiently done, and should be put away in a cool place 

 in the same vessel. When quite cool, beat up a fresh egg with a fork in a tumbler, 

 with a lump of sugar ; beat quite to a froth, add a dessert-spoonful of brandy, and 



