MEDICAL HINTS. 
243 
Urgency of the case is a guide as to how many tabloids ought to be 
given. 
Zinc oxide alone or mixed with an equal quantity of boric acid or 
starch makes a useful drying dusting powder. 
Zinc ointment contains three parts of zinc oxide to seventeen parts of 
lard or vaseline. This is a most useful application for bums, eczema, 
chafes and sores. 
Sulphate of zinc.— As a prompt emetic, give twenty to thirty grains 
in half a pint of warm water. If patient does not vomit give a pint or 
more of warm water and tickle the back of the throat. A second dose 
of the drug may be given. 
Two grains to an ounce of wa f er makes a valuable astringent lotion 
for gonorrhoea, raw surfaces, ulcers, and inflamed eyes and ears. The 
strength of this solution may be gradually increased to six grains to the 
ounce of water. 
Temperature Taking, Hypodermic Injection, Baths, Catheters, 
Stomach Tube, Enemas, and Poultices. 
Temperature Taking . 
The temperature of the body may be taken in the armpit, the mouth, 
or the lower end of the bowel. 
In the Armpit .—Dry armpit well, put the bulb of the thermometer into 
it and press the arm tightly*against the body, so that the thermometer 
will be in close contact with the skin on either side for at least five 
minutes. 
In the Mouth .—Wash the thermometer in an antiseptic solution, dry it 
and place the bulb well under the tongue and close the lips on the 
stem ; at least three minutes should be allowed. This is a more reliable 
way of taking the temperature than in the armpit. 
In the Bowel. —If the patient is very ill and light-headed, it is not 
advisable to place the thermometer in the mouth, and when a patient is 
having a cool bath to reduce his temperature a reading will be needed at 
least every quarter of an hour; in these cases it is best to pass the end 
of the thermometer, which has been previously greased, about two inches 
up the bowel, and to leave it there for at least two and a half minutes. 
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