416 THE NEW ZEALAND FAMILY HERB DOCTOR. 
the liver, which certainly was more or less affected, in sym- 
pathy. Itis no use shutting the eyes to unwelcome truths, as by 
sodoing the means of remedy areoften neglected. The question 
often asked 1s, Can consumption be cured ? Atone time, after 
reading some herbal books we did not hesitate to answer, yes ; 
but experience has taught us to be more careful, and now 
compels us to say, yes, and no; having treated a number of 
cases, some of whom recovered, and some are now covered up 
in the bosom of mother earth. If the reader turns to page 335 
he will see the way in which by sounding the chest we may be 
more certain in identifying the disease. These, with what we 
have already given, and the expectoration of matter or pus 
(which may be known from its yellow colour and density, it 
usually sinking in water) will determine the grave nature of the 
disease. It will be asked, How can we know when it is 
curable or not ? We cannot always tell. However, there are 
indications which will helpus to makea prognosis or conclusion. 
First, What is the family history? Is there consumption on 
both sides? Is the chest narrow, and are there well-marked 
hollows on the top of the shoulders? Can you hear the 
patient whisper through them ? Is the body much wasted and 
the expectoration great? Are there the night-sweats, with 
hectic fever and diarrhoea ? There is not much hope for such 
cases ; all that can be done is to alleviate the symptoms as best 
we can. The more hopeful cases are when the patient has 
come of a sound family, and the disease has not advanced far ; 
but human wisdom is very faulty, and hopeful cases are lost, 
and the hopeless ones saved. 
The treatment will greatly depend upon the indications 
present in each case. Age, strength, and stage of disease, 
must be considered and treatment adopted. In the first 
Stages many have been cured by Thompson’s plan : the full 
course once a week, with the stomach bitters, and sufficient 
lobelia in the spirit tincture to keep up a free expectoration. 
Even in what appeared to be the most hopeless cases, when 
doctors had given the patient up, this treatment has saved. 
