302 



MARK TWAIN'S SKETCHES. 



curing a cold as anything in the world. I hardly thought I had room for it, 

 but I tried it anyhow. The result was surprising. I believed I had thrown up 

 my immortal soul. 



Now, as I am giving my experience only for the benefit of those who are 

 troubled with the distemper I am writing about, I feel that they will see the 

 propriety of my cautioning them against following such portions of it as proved 

 ineflBcient with me, and acting upon this conviction, I warn them against warm 

 salt water. It may be a good enough remedy, but I think it is too severe. If I 



had another cold 

 there were no 

 to take either an 

 quart of warm salt 

 take my chances 

 After the storm 

 ragi ng in my 

 sided, and no more 

 happening along, 

 ing handkerchiefs 

 them to atoms, as 

 torn in the early 

 until I came across 

 just arrived from 

 and who said she 

 of the country 



in the head, and 

 course left me but 

 earthquake or a 

 water, I would 

 on the earthquake, 

 which had been 

 stomach had sub- 

 good Samaritans 

 I went on borrow- 

 again and blowing 

 had been my cus- 

 stages of my cold, 

 a lady who had 

 over the plains, 

 had lived in a part 

 where doctors 



were scarce, and had from necessity acquired considerable skill in the treatment 

 of simple "family complaints." I knew she must have had much experience, 

 for she appeared to be a hundred and fifty years old. 



She mixed a decoction composed of molasses, aquafortis, turpentine, and 

 various other drugs, and instructed me to take a wine-glass full of it every fif- 

 teen minutes. I never took but one dose; that was enough; it robbed me of all 

 moral principle, and awoke every unworthy impulse of my nature. Under its 

 malign influence my brain conceived miracles of meanness; but my hands were 



