Chapter 3
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“Keep the patient free from excitement, and every influence calcu-
lated to depress. Her attendants should be cheerful and hopeful. She
should have a simple diet, and should be allowed plenty of pure soft
water to drink. Bathe frequently in pure soft water followed by gentle
rubbing. Let the light, and air, be freely admitted into her room. She
must have quiet, and undisturbed rest.”
The father slowly read the prescription, and wondered at the few
simple directions it contained, and seemed doubtful of any good re-
sulting from such simple means. Said the physician,
“You have had sufficient confidence in my skill to place the life of
your daughter in my hands. Withdraw not your confidence. I will visit
your daughter daily, and direct you in the management of her case.
Follow my directions with confidence, and I trust in a few weeks to
present her to you in a much better condition of health, if not fully
restored.”
The father looked sad and doubtful, but submitted to the decision
of the physician. He feared that his daughter must die if she had no
medicine.
The second case was again presented before me. The patient had
appeared better under the influence of nux vomica. She was sitting
up, folding a shawl closely around her, and complaining of chilliness.
The air in the room was impure. It was heated and had lost its vitality.
Almost every crevice where the pure air could enter was guarded
to protect the patient from a sense of painful chilliness, which was
especially felt in the back of the neck and down the spinal column. If
the door was left ajar, she seemed nervous and distressed, and entreated
that it should be closed, for she was cold. She could not bear the least
draught of air from the door or windows. A gentleman of intelligence
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stood looking pityingly upon her, and said to those present,—
“This is the second result of nux vomica. It is especially felt upon
the nerves, and it affects the whole nervous system. There will be, for
a time, increased forced action upon the nerves. But as the strength of
this drug is spent, there will be chilliness, and prostration. Just to that
degree that it excites and enlivens, will be the deadening, benumbing
results following.”
The third case was again presented before me. It was that of
the young man to whom was administered calomel. He was a great
sufferer. His lips were dark and swollen. His gums were inflamed.