Tempering Treatment
Sources:
Papers On Health
Much, if not all, of the success in any case of
treatment depends on its being properly tempered to the strength of the
patient. In putting on LATHER (see), for instance, a delicate and
nervous child will be greatly annoyed if soaped all over at once. But
if one arm be done and finished, then the other, then the breast, and
so on to the abdomen, the back, and the legs, bit by bit, the effect
will be soothing in the ext
eme. So with MASSAGE (see); so also with
applying a cold towel. If it chills and terrifies the patient when
suddenly "clapped on," common sense would suggest holding it to the
fire till the surface is warm. This warm surface will give no shock
when applied to the skin, and the cold in the body of the towel will
gradually penetrate and do its work. Also, as we have frequently
repeated, the strength of ACETIC ACID (see) must be carefully
looked to, when it is used. It must ever be remembered that some of the
finest and noblest spirits are inhabitants of frail bodies, which, with
right treatment, are strong enough, but suffer terribly in rough hands.