Diseases > Domestic medicine

242 bcchan’s
to prevent the load from being thrown on tne \iing8,
where if an inflammation should fix itself, the
patient’s life would be in imminent danger.
In case the measles should suddenly disappear, it
will be necessary to pursue the same method which
we have recommended when the small-pox recede.
The patient must be supported with wine and
cordials. Blistering-plasters must be applied to the
legs and arms, and the body rubbed all over with warm
flannels. Warm poultices may likewise be applied
to the feet and palms of the hands.
When purple or black spots appear, the patient’s
drink should be sharpened with spirits of vitriol;
and if the putrid symptoms increase, the Peruvian
bark must be administered in the same manner as
directed in the small pox.
Opiates are sometimes necessary, but should never
be given except in cases of extreme restlessness, a
violent looseness, or when the cough is very trouble¬
some. For children, the syrup of poppies is suffi¬
cient. A tea-spoonful or two may be occasionally
given, according to the patient’s age, or violence of
the symptoms.
After the measles are gone off, the patient ought
to be purged. This may be conducted in the same
manner as directed in the small-pox.
If a violent looseness succeeds the measles, it may
be checked by taking for some days a gentle dose of
rhubarb in the morning, and an opiate over night;
but if these do not remove it, bleeding will seldom
foil to have that effect.
Patients recovering after the measles should be
careful what they eat or drink. Their food for some
time ought to be light, and in small quantities, and
their drink diluting, and rather of an opening nature,
as butter-milk, whey and such like. They ought