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Domestic Medicine : or, a Treatise on the Prevention and Cure of Diseases by Regimen and simple Medicines
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100

OF CONSUMPTIONS.

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vantage that it has over cows' milk, consists in its being in a slighdegree more easy of digestion." Mint water mixed with the latteiwill prevent its curdling in the stomach.

Some extraordinary cures in consumptive cases have been performed by women's milk. Could this be obtained in sufficient quan'ity, we would recommend it in preference to any other. It is bet-ter if the patient can suck it from the breast, than to drink it afterwards. I knew a man who was reduced to such a degree of weak'less in a consumption, as not to be able to turn himself in bed. Hiswife was at that time giving suck, and the child happening to die, hesucked her breasts, not with a view to reap any advantage from thenilk, but to give her ease. Finding himself, however, greatly benefit-ed by it, he continued to suck her till he became perfectly well, andis at present a strong and healthy man.

oome prefer butter-milk to any other, and it is indeed a very va-luable medicine, if the stomach be able to bear it. It does not agreewith every person at first; and is therefore often laid aside withouti sufficient trial. It should at first be taken sparingly, and the quan-tity gradually increased, until it comes to be almost the sole food. I'lever knew it succeed unless where the patient almost lived upon it.

Cows' milk is most readily obtained of any, and though it be not-o easily digested as that of asses or mares, it may be renderedlighter, by adding to it an equal quantity of barley-water, or allowingt to stand for some hours, and afterwards taking off the cream.

If it should notwithstanding, prove heavy on the stomach, a smallquantity of brandy or old rum, with a little sugar, may be added,which will render it both more light and nutritive.

It is not to be wondered, that milk should for some time disagree««th his stomach that has not been accustomed to digest any thingbut flesh and strong liquors, which is the case with many of those whofall into consumptions. We do not however advise those who havebeen accustomed to animal food and strong liquors to leave them offall at once. This might be dangerous. It will be necessary for sucho eat a little once a day of the flesh of some young animal, or rathero use the broth made of chickens, veal, lamb, or such like. Theyought likewise to drink a little wine made into negus, or diluted withtwice or thrice its quantity of water, and to make it gradually weak-

till they can leave it off altogether.

These must be used only as preparatives to a diet consisting chieflyof milk and vegetables, such as rice and milk, or barley and milk,wiled with a little sugar, which is very proper food. Ripe fruitsroasted, baked, or boiled, are likewise proper, as currant or goose-berry tarts, apples roasted, or boiled in milk.

The jellies, conserves, and preserves of ripe subacid fruits, oughtto be eaten plentifully, as the jelly of currants, conserves of roses,oreserved plumbs, cherries, or China oranges.

Wholesome air, proper exercise, and a diet consisting chiefly ofthese and other vegetables, with milk, is the only course that can bedepended on in a beginning consumption. If the patient 1ms strength