DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF DISEASE 97 



drug may be given, like opium, to quiet the intes- 

 tines, or like aconite, to diminish the rate of the 

 blood flow. 



In the same way external assistance may be ren- 

 dered ; as, for example, sweating — to throw off 

 poison in the tissue juices; and blanketing — to 

 maintain an even temperature and to protect from 

 chill and draught. 



ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES 



Medicines are conveyed into the body as 

 drenches, balls, enemas, and injections under the 

 skin or into the veins. There is nothing mysterious 

 about any of them. 



Giving Medicines in a Ball. — The practice of giv- 

 ing medicines in a ball is a very old one, and has 

 much to recommend it. Many nauseous agents 

 as aloes, opium, arsenic, asafetida, are thus con- 

 veyed to the stomach without causing annoyance 

 and disgust to the patient. The balls are wrapped 

 in paper, dough, or gelatin capsules, and may 

 weigh an ounce or two. In giving a ball the fol- 

 lowing plan is usually followed: Hold the ball 

 between the thumb and first two fingers. Now 

 seize the tongue at about its middle and gently 

 draw it out to the side of the mouth, in such a way 

 that the right hand may be inserted into the mouth 

 and the ball placed far back on the tongue, when 

 the hand is withdrawn, the tongue replaced and the 

 halter or strap wrapped around the jaws until the 

 ball is swallowed. 



Giving Medicines in a Drench.— -The drench is 

 usually employed for liquid medicines. It is best 

 to dilute the medicines with water, milk, or oil that 

 they may more readily reach the stomach and 



