Page:The physical training of children (IA 39002011126464.med.yale.edu).pdf/232

 course, if there be the slightest symptom of migration to any other part or parts, instantly call in a medical man.

238. What is the treatment of a Boil?

One of the best applications is a Burgundy-pitch plaster spread on a soft piece of wash-leather. Let a chemist spread a plaster, about the size of the hand; and, from this piece, cut small plasters, the size of a shilling or a florin (according to the dimensions of the boil), which snip around and apply to the part. Put a fresh one on daily. This plaster will soon cause the boil to break; when it does break, squeeze out the contents, the core, and the matter, and then apply one of the plasters as before, which, until the boil be well, renew every day.

The old-fashioned remedy for a boil—namely, common yellow soap and brown sugar, is a capital one for the purpose; it should be made into a paste, and spread on a piece of coarse linen, the size either of a shilling or of a florin (according to the size of the boil); it eases the pain and causes the boil soon to break, and draws it when it is broken; it should be renewed daily.

If the boils should arise from the child being in a delicate state of health, give him cod-liver oil, meat once a day, and an abundance of milk and farinaceous food. Let him have plenty of fresh air, exercise, and play. If the boils should arise from gross and improper feeding, then keep him for a time from meat, and let him live principally on a milk and farinaceous diet. If the child be fat and gross, cod liver oil would be improper; a mild aperient, such as rhubarb and magnesia, would then be the best medicine. 239. What are the symptoms of Earache?

A young child screaming shrilly, violently, and continuously, is oftentimes owing to earache; carefully, therefore, examine each ear, and ascertain if there be any discharge; if there be, the mystery is explained.