PNEUMONIA. 133 
quarters ; then introduce the steaming apparatus, and set it to work with 
all speed, leaving every window and door open, while the vapor is gen- 
erated. The air being loaded with vapor, take off all clothing; but 
give, in the first instance, so soon as it can be procured, the following 
drink :— 
Solution of aconite root . . . . . . . . . . Half an ounce. 
Sulphuricether 2 . % 3 4 « 4% = = « » » “Lwotounces: 
Extract of belladonna (rubbed down in half a pint of 
WALCE) en a a ae eG oe ee ee A drach, 
Repeat this dose three times in the course of the day and once during 
the night, keeping up the steam all the time. Watch the pulse and 
observe the breathing. When the first amends, the quantity of aconite 
may be diminished; when the last grows easier, the amount of bella- 
donna may be decreased. 
These medicines should be persevered with, increasing the ingredients 
or diminishing them, as the symptoms warrant. Thus, if the pulse prove 
very obstinate, six, or even nine doses of half an ounce of solution of 
aconite in a little water, without other ingredients, may be exhibited in 
the twenty-four hours. Should the breathing be severe, the belladonna 
may be augmented in a similar proportion. Until the symptoms are 
more than merely amended, the nourishment ought entirely to consist of 
hay-tea, with a little oatmeal boiled in it. When improvement decidedly 
takes place, the hay-tea may be made a little thicker, and a couple of 
pounds of boiled potatoes allowed per day. So soon as the appetite 
seems to be eager for food, a pint of crushed oats, thoroughly scalded, 
may be given six times during the day. Great care, must, however, be 
taken not to overload the stomach, or to permit a full meal: a single 
gorge is likely to provoke a return of the disorder. Little and often 
must be the rule at first; and the quantity may be increased while the 
frequency is diminished, as recovery is confirmed. Let some days elapse, 
however, before any hay is presented: this substance rather amuses the 
horse and fills out the stomach, than nourishes the body. Allow to enter 
the stable none of the groom’s favorite drink, which consists of a handful 
of flour stirred into a pailful of cold water. The flour is not in solution 
—it soon sinks to the bottom; and the horse, which you intend should 
in some degree be nourished, receives nothing but water. 
Order the cook to prepare the gruel, and see that she does it with as 
much care and cleanliness as she would exercise for any Christian. The 
groom’s gruel is hot water, which may or may not be boiling, stirred 
upon a certain quantity of meal. A lady may conjecture how she would 
relish such a composition sent to her sick chamber; and the horse is as 
nice in its taste as any human being possibly can be. 
