Page:The physical training of children (IA 39002011126464.med.yale.edu).pdf/237

 tablespoonfuls of raw sugar, then cover the prunes and the sugar with cold water; place them in the oven, and let them stew for four hours. A child should every morning eat half a dozen or a dozen of them, until the bowels be relieved, taking care that he does not swallow the stones. A suppository is a mild and ready way of opening the bowels of a child. When he is two or three years old and upwards, a candle suppository is better than a soap suppository. The way of preparing it is as follows: Cut a piece of dip-tallow candle—the length of three inches—and insert it as you would a clyster pipe, about two inches up the fundament, allowing the remaining inch to be in sight, and there let the suppository remain until the bowels be opened. 245. What are the most frequent causes of Protrusion of the lower bowel?

The too common and reprehensible practice of a parent administering frequent aperients, especially calomel and jalap, to her child. Another cause, is allowing him to remain for a quarter of an hour or more at a time on his chair; this induces him to strain, and to force the gut down.

246. What are the remedies?

If the protrusion of the bowel have been brought on by the abuse of aperients, abstain for the future from giving them; but if medicine be absolutely required, give the mildest—such as either syrup of senna or castor-oil—''and the less of those the better''.

If the external application of a purgative will have the desired effect, it will, in such cases, be better than the internal administration of aperients. Dr. Merriman's Purgative Liniment is a good one for the purpose. (See question 95.) Let the bowels be well rubbed every night and morning, for five minutes at a time, with the liniment.