Page:The physical training of children (IA 39002011126464.med.yale.edu).pdf/114

 improper food, in the first case, of course, a mother must lessen the quantity; and, in the second, she should be more careful in her selection.

What to do.—Do not use either a calf's teat or wash leather for the feeding-bottle; fortunately, since the invention of india-rubber teats, they are now nearly exploded; they were, in olden times, fruitful causes of thrush. Do not mind the trouble of ascertaining that the cooking-vessels connected with the baby's food are perfectly clean and sweet. Do not leave the purity and the goodness of the cow's milk (it being absolutely necessary to feed him on artificial food) to be judged either by the milkman or by the nurse, but taste and prove it yourself, Do not keep the milk in a warm place, but either in the dairy or in the cellar; and, if it be summer time, let the jug holding the milk be put in a crock containing lumps of ice. Do not use milk that has been milked longer than twelve hours, but, if practicable, have it milked direct from the cow, and use it immediately—let it be really and truly fresh and genuine milk. When the disease is severe, it may require more active treatment—such as a dose of calomel; which medicine must never be given, unless it be either under the direction of a medical man, or unless it be in an extreme case,—such as dysentery; therefore, the mother had better seek advice. See the Treatment of Dysentery. In a severe case of thrush, where the complaint has been brought on by artificial feeding—the babe not having the advantage of the mother's milk—it is really surprising how rapidly a wet-nurse—if the case has not been too long deferred—will effect a cure, where all other means have been tried and have failed. The effect has been truly magical! In a severe case of thrush, pure air and thorough ventilation are essential to recovery. 110. Is anything to be learned from the cry of an infant?