Page:Alcohol, a Dangerous and Unnecessary Medicine.djvu/237

Rh of gas. The heat stimulates the circulation in the peripheral vessels of the intestines, and overcomes the tendency to blood stasis.

"In the cases cited, ice-bags, alternated with fomentations, were used over the abdomen externally, and heat, or hot and cold, to spine. The extremities were kept warm. From ten to thirty minims of turpentine, in an ounce of gum acacia or starch water, increased the efficiency of the enemata, and aided in expelling the gas and checking hemorrhage.

"The tendency to hypostatic congestion and bed-sores, was prevented by frequent change of position, and the use of hot and cold to the spine by fomentations and compresses, or better still, hot fine spraying, or the alternate hot and cold spray. In one grave case, spraying was kept up for about twelve hours, with only short intermissions. The heart was stimulated by heat applied over it, whenever depression and collapse threatened, and by hot and cold sponging of the spine."

Dr. Noble said some time ago in the London Times: —

J. S. Cain, M. D., in an able paper, read at the Nashville Academy of Medicine, on "Rational Suggestions in the Treatment of Typhoid Fever," dissents from the practice, which still obtains largely in the medical profession, of administering alcoholic