SMALL-POX.

169

. It has already been observed, that little more is necessaryduring the primary fever than to keep the patient cool andquiet, allowing him to drink diluting liquors, and bathing hisfeet frequently in warm water. Though this be generallythe safest course that can be taken with infants, yet adults ofa strong constitution and plethoric habit sometimes requirebleeding. When a full pulse, a dry skin, and other symp-toms of an inflammation, render this operation necessary, itought to be performed ; but unless these symptoms are ur-gent, it is safer to let it alone. If the belly be bound, emollientclysters may be thrown in.

If there be a great nausea or inclination to vomit, weakcamomile tea or lukewarm water may be drank, in order toclean the stomach. At the beginning of a fever, nature gene-rally attempts a discharge, either upwards or downwards,which, if promoted by gentle means, would tend greatly toabate the violence of the disease.

Though every method is to be taken during the primaryfever, by a cool regimen, &c, to prevent too great an eruption;yet, after the pustules have made their appearance, our busi-ness is to promote the suppuration, by diluting drink, lightfood, and, if nature seems to flag, by generous cordials.When a low creeping pulse, faintishness, and great loss ofstrength, render cordials necessary, we would recommendgood wine, which may be made into negas, with an equalquantity of water, and sharpened with the juice of orange,the jelly of currants, or the like. Wine whey sharpened asabove is likewise a proper drink in this case. Great carehowever must be taken not to overheat the patient by any ofthese things. This, instead of promoting, would retard theeruption.

Sometimes the rising of the small-pox is prevented by theviolence of the fever ; in this case the cool regimen is strictlyto be observed. The patient's chamber must not only bekept cool, but he ought likewise frequently to be taken outof bed, and to be lightly covered with clothes while in it.

Excessive restlessness often prevents the rising and fillingof the small-pox. When that happens, gentle opiates arenecessary. These however ought always to be administeredwith a sparing hand. To an infant, a tea-spoonful of thesyrup of poppies may be given every five or six hours, tillit has the desired effect. An adult will require a table-spoonful in order to answer the same purpose.15

Si