Diseases > Domestic medicine

DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 225
toms occur, it will be necessary to support the pa¬
tient with food and liquors of a more generous nature,
such as we recommend in the immediately preceding
fevers. We must, however, be very cautious in the
use of things of a heating quality, as this fever is
frequently changed into a continual, by a hot regi¬
men and improper medicines.
Whatever the symptoms are, the patient ought to
be kept cool, quiet, and clean ; his apartment, if pos¬
sible, should be large, and frequently ventilated, by
letting in fresh air at the doors and windows. It
ought likewise to be sprinkled with vinegar, juice of
lemon, or the li ke. His linen, bed-clothes, &c. should
be frequently changed, and all his excrements im¬
mediately removed. Though these things have been
recommended before, we think it necessary to repeat
them here, as they are of more importance to the sick
than practitioners are apt to imagine.
Medicine.—In order to cure this fever, we must
endeavour to bring it to a regular intermission. This
intention may be promoted by bleeding, if there be
any signs of inflammation; but when that is. not the
case, bleeding is by no means to be attempted, as it
will weaken the patient and prolong the disease. A
vomit,ohowever, will seldom be improper, and is gen¬
erally of great service. Twenty or thirty grains of
ipecacuanha, will answer this purpose very well; but
w here it can be obtained, we would rather recom¬
mend a grain or two of tartar emetic, with five or six
grains of ipecacuanha, to be made into a draught, and
given for a vomit. This may be repeated once or
twice at proper intervals, if the sickness or nausea
continue.
The body ought to be kept open either by clysters
or gentle laxatives, as weak infusions of senna and
manna, small doses of the lenitive electuary, cream
of tartar, tamarinds, stewed prunes, or the like; but