Papers on Health | Page 3

sound sleep, or one day of comfort for
another, we are bound to do our very best, and it is a wonderful reward
to know that one has secured even this in our suffering world. Our
Heavenly Father gives no monopoly of this blessing.
[Illustration: 1. Vertebral Column; 2. Skull; 4. Sternum; 7. Collar Bone;
15. Hip Bone; 16. Sacrum; 18. Femur; 19. Knee Pan; 21. Fibula; 22.
Tibia; 8. Humerus; 10. Radius; 11. Ulna.]
Note.--It is earnestly requested that the whole of any article, and of
those referred to in it, should be read before beginning any treatment.

PAPERS ON HEALTH.
Abscess.--Let us suppose a swelling appears on some part of the body
or limbs, but that there is no discoloration or symptom of the gathering
of the dead material beneath it. If it be cut open, a wound is made
which is often very difficult to heal. Avoid then, cutting in such cases.
If the swelling develops under FOMENTATION (see), the uncut flesh
through which it will then break will be in a better state eventually for
healing than if cut. Where corrupt matter is clearly present, and in
seeking an outlet is endangering the surrounding healthy tissue, the
cutting open of the swelling will, on the other hand, greatly relieve, and
conduce to a more speedy cure. This is best performed by a thoroughly
good surgeon. Thorough syringing of the cavity from which the matter
comes out (see Wounds, Syringing) is the best means of cure, aided by
thorough heating of the swelling and surrounding parts with moist heat
for an hour or more twice a day. This heating must embrace a large part
of the limb or body, as the case may be. If the trouble be on the hip or
groin, the armchair FOMENTATION (see) should be employed. Other
parts should be treated on the same liberal principle of heating (see
Fomentation).

Rich diet is extremely hurtful. Egg switched in cream, rum, brandy, and
such things are to be carefully avoided. Alcoholic liquors are especially
fatal. See Alcohol; Assimilation; Diet; Drinks: Foods, etc.
Oatmeal jelly (see Food in Illness), wheaten meal porridge, Saltcoats
biscuits (see Biscuits and Water), form the best nutrients in such cases.
These are really much stronger diet than the egg, brandy, etc.
If the abscess be in the foot or leg, with indications of diseased bone,
the leg should be bathed in hot water up to the knee. Dissolve a piece of
M'Clinton's soap in the water used, and let it be as hot as can be borne.
After drying, rub the limb gently yet firmly with olive oil for five
minutes. Dress with oil, lint, and a proper bandage.
We have seen a limb which threatened the very life of the patient
treated as above. The general symptoms abated almost immediately;
growth, as well as healing, set in, and the limb was quite restored to its
normal condition. But patient persistence in treatment is needed for a
bad case.
If under bathing or fomentation the abscess seems to swell, such is only
the natural progress of cure, and should not be regarded as increase of
the trouble. Where the swelling shews undoubted signs of diseased
matter below the surface, it may be opened as above directed. We know
of limbs that have been long distorted, and under rubbing and
fomenting they are becoming gradually all they ought to be. No one
need fear that by such treatment they will grow worse. See Armpit
Swelling; Bone, Diseased; Knee; Limbs, Inflamed, etc.
Acetic Acid.--For use in our treatment we recommend Coutts' Acetic
Acid. It is of uniform strength and purity, and can be had from most
druggists. Weak acid may be understood as one part of this to twelve
parts of water. In many cases, however, much greater weakness than
this is necessary, owing to the tenderness of the parts treated. As a
general rule, the dilute acid should only cause a gentle nipping
sensation and heat in the sore. If it is painful, no good is done. Frequent
gentle applications are always much better than a few severe ones.

Tasting the acid is a good test. If it can be swallowed without
inconvenience, it may then be tried on a tender part, and if necessary
even further reduced in strength. Where more convenient to get it,
white wine vinegar may be used instead of this weak acid; it will do
equally well.
Acidity of the Stomach.--Often caused by unwholesome food, bad or
deficient teeth, or by too rapid eating. Where these causes exist, they
should be first removed. Eat slowly, and not too much at a time, and
see that only well-cooked, easily digested food be taken. Pastry, sweets
and carbonaceous foods in general should not be taken alone at the
same