Talk very often and encouragingly to the
patient as the insanity begins to show itself. As soon as the thirst
sets in, give frequently alternate small drinks of cold Indian meal
gruel--no butter in the gruel--and moderately large drinks of the best
plain black tea, _hot_, without milk or sugar. Occasionally the gruel
may be changed and made of oatmeal, and the tea have a bit of toasted
bread in it. As the disorder goes through its course, and a craving
sets in, humor this at once with moderate supplies of what is
craved. Air the room twice or three times each day, taking great care
to cover up the patient completely, head and all, while the doors and
windows are open. Keep the room dark, and at an even temperature. Pat
the face, arms, &c., with warm barley water, and then with a feather
oil the whole surface with sweet oil. This prevents all itching and
pitting, or marks."
[Illustration: Poor, noble Anges was so wearied out, that she got
asleep while she walked with the baby, and stepping too near the
stairway, she fell all the way down.]
"Truly a plain and simple remedy," remarked the doctor, as he put away
his book, "I shall not fail to try it also, if I should ever come
across any cases of variola."
"And you may depend on it, Doctor," said Agnes, "that it will never
fail when properly and intelligently carried out."
As he turned to leave, the physician said:
"Miss Arnold, please stay here until I send you a note or a messenger,
which I will do within an hour or an hour and a half.
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