Chapter 4
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to have one or two watchers to use up the little vital air which may find
its way to the sick room through the crevices of doors and windows,
is taking from them this vitality, and leaving them more debilitated
than they would have been had they been left to themselves. The
evil does not end here. Even one watcher will make more or less stir,
which disturbs the sick. But where there are two watchers, they often
converse together, sometimes aloud, but more frequently in whispered
tones, which is far more trying and exciting to the nerves of the sick
than talking aloud.
Many suffering wakeful nights are endured by the sick because of
watchers. If they were left alone without a light, knowing that all were
at rest, they could much better compose themselves to sleep, and in
the morning they would awake refreshed. Every breath of vital air in
the sick room is of the greatest value, although many of the sick are
very ignorant on this point. They feel very much depressed, and do
not know what the matter is. A draught of pure air through their room
would have a happy invigorating influence upon them.
But if they are afraid of air, and shut themselves away from this
blessing, the little that is allowed to reach them should not be consumed
by watchers, or lamp-light. Attendants upon the sick should if possible
leave them to quiet and rest through the night, while they occupy a
room adjoining.
All unnecessary noise and excitement should be avoided in the
sick room, and the whole house should be kept as quiet as possible.
Ignorance, forgetfulness, and recklessness, have caused the death
of many who might have lived, had they received proper care from
judicious, thoughtful attendants. The doors should be opened and shut
with great care, and the attendants should be unhurried, calm, and
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self-possessed.
The sick room, if possible, should have a draught of air through it,
day and night. The draught should not come directly upon the invalid.
While burning fevers are raging, there is but little danger of taking
cold. But especial care is needful when the crisis comes, and fever
is passing away. Then constant watching may be necessary to keep
vitality in the system. The sick must have pure, invigorating air. If
no other way can be devised, the sick, if possible, should be removed
to another room, and another bed, while the sick room, the bed and
bedding are being purified by ventilation. If those who are well need