Page:The physical training of children (IA 39002011126464.med.yale.edu).pdf/20

 regard to the preparation of the food, time for giving it, and the amount that should be given.

Perhaps no part of the work is more important than the instruction given in regard to the raising of children by hand (as it is called); for here the life of the infant may be said to depend, to a very great extent, upon the treatment it receives from those who have it in charge, and it is for this reason that the author has been very explicit in his instructions. He has, in fact, left nothing to be wished for; he gives the minutest directions as to the kind of food, the mode of preparation, the time for feeding, and the general management of the infant who is so unfortunate as to be deprived of the sustenance nature intended for its support. The wet nurse comes in, also, for her share of attention, and we are told how to select one, and rules are laid down for her diet, exercise, etc. And it is not a matter of indifference whether these rules are attended to or not; for, on the condition of the health of the nurse will depend the character of her milk, and of course we cannot expect a child to be healthy that receives impure milk from its nurse.

Very important instruction is given for our guidance in the management of the child when sick. Everything relating to the sick room is fully discussed, and the most minute directions given for the assistance of the mother at this critical period of the child's existence.

Considerable space is taken with prescriptions and the administration of medicine, which is of much value to those not within the reach of the family physician. But if the child is sick the physician should always be notified