Page:The physical training of children (IA 39002011126464.med.yale.edu).pdf/205

 too, that a delicate child is much more predisposed to the disease than a strong one.

209. What is the treatment of Diphtheria?

What to do.—Examine well into the ventilation, for as diphtheria is frequently caused by deficient ventilation, the best remedy is thorough ventilation. Look well both to the drains and to the privies, and see that the drains from the water-closets and from the privies do not in any way contaminate the pump-water. If the drains be defective or the privies be full, the disease in your child will be generated, fed, and fostered. Not only so, but the disease will spread in your family and all around you.

Keep the child to his bed-room and to his bed. For the first two or three days, while the fever runs high, put him on a low diet, such as milk, tea, arrow-root, etc.

Apply to his throat every four hours a warm barm and oatmeal poultice. If he be old enough to have the knowledge to use a gargle, the following will be found serviceable:

Take of—Powdered Alum, one drachm; Simple Syrup, one ounce; Water, seven ounces:

To make a Gargle.

The best medicine for the first few days of the attack, is one of the following mixtures:

Take of—Chlorate of Potash, two drachms; Boiling Water, seven ounces and a half; Syrup of Red Poppy, half an ounce:

To make a Mixture. A tablespoonful to be taken every four hours.

Or,

Take of—Diluted Sulphuric Acid, one drachm; Simple Syrup, one ounce and a half; Infusion of Roses, four ounces and a half;