GENERAL DISEASES. abs 405 
knock at the door for these pills that night. Practical joking 
is generally paid back with interest, as it was in this case. 
The causes of colds are as well known as the symptoms, 
and yet most people act as though they did not know them, 
they are so careless in exposing themselves. In addition to 
the one already mentioned—neglect of the skin—-there is no 
greater one than that of cold and damp feet. What may be 
called the two cold-producing areas of the body are the feet 
and neck. In civilised life the feet are encased in boots, 
which hinder the free perspiration, causing a dampness, which 
is re-absorbed. This is one way colds are induced; keeping 
on damp clothes is another; a damp cold atmosphere, and 
sudden changes from heat to cold, star.ding in draughts, &c., 
are all known causes, which, acting ona system not in the 
best of health, cause the condition so well known. We need 
not point out the folly of neglect, for although colds may 
come and go without treatment, it is not always so; some- 
times they come and stay, or in going leave something worse 
behind. Let no one then neglect to shake them off as soon 
as possible by a proper treatment: take the stitch in time. 
Now, our readers may anticipate our advice—the course of 
medicine, or a modified form of it, the composition powder, 
the vapour bath, and the lobelia emetic, will cut it short; or 
the yarrow treatment (page 79). There are few simple colds 
that will withstand these, but if they have geta hold on the 
system a continuance of the above or stronger measures must 
be adopted. The Balm of Gilead (see index) will cure both 
coughs and colds. If it is severe, as in 
BRONCHITIS, 
Treat as directed for inflammation of the chest, using the 
balm, hot bricks, &c. The cough powder is also good. There 
are numberless remedies for colds and coughs, two or three of 
which we will give besides the above, which are first in point 
of merit. 
