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.