MEDICAL.
A. Z.—Mussels form a food of considerable value, but they are by no means free from danger. As a food they are fairly nutritious and digestible, though far inferior in both these points to oysters. The dangers of eating mussels are very real, although they have been grossly exaggerated. They depend in part upon whether the mussels have been feeding upon sewage. Mussels taken from the mouths of rivers or elsewhere where they can come into contact with sewage matter should never be eaten. The danger is much greater when the mussels are eaten raw. If they are boiled first the likelihood of harm resulting is considerably less. Practically all germs are destroyed by boiling, so that there is little fear of contracting typhoid from eating boiled mussels. Indeed the danger of catching typhoid is far less from eating mussels than it is from eating oysters, because the latter are nearly always eaten raw, whereas the former are usually cooked. But besides the dangers of contamination with sewage, there is another danger in eating mussels, that is, that mussels are very liable to quickly decompose, and in their decomposition to set free animal poisons of the most virulent description. This is the chief cause of the numerous deaths which occur from partaking of mussels. But when we consider the vast number of mussels eaten in England, especially in the North, it is no wonder deaths should now and then occur.
Ariel.—If you wish your daughter to become a physician you must send her to a hospital where lady students are taken. She cannot by any possibility learn medicine without clinical instruction. The medicine which can be learnt from books is of no value without practical instruction. There is not such a thing as an amateur medical man or woman. A person is either a qualified and registered medical man, or else he is a quack, or a “medicine man” if you like. The law has lately shown its objection to such persons in very strong terms.
Anxious One.—There are two causes of double chins, age and obesity, and they usually operate together. We cannot, alas! mitigate the effects of advancing years. We cannot prevent Father Time from meddling with us. The treatment of obesity we have over and over again described. The chief points to attend to are to reduce the amounts of starchy or sugary food taken; to take liquids only in great moderation; to forego alcohol in any form, and to take plenty of exercise daily. Tight lacing and wearing tight collars are also said to produce double chins.
Violet.—In an article called “Diet in Health and Sickness,” published in this magazine the year before last, you will find information about the treatment of obesity. The chief points to attend to are:—reduce the quantity of farinaceous and sweet food; avoid alcohol in all forms, and only take liquids of any kind in moderation; take plenty of exercise and avoid all drugs and nostrums.
Ladice.—1. One attack of eczema does predispose to others; but it is quite possible, indeed it is probable, that you will completely overcome the disease in time. The application that you are using is good, but the following is better, viz.:—lime water, olive oil and oxide of zinc, equal parts of each, shaken up into a cream. This forms a very soothing application. Is your hair free from scurf? Eczema of the face often follows from seborrhœa.—2. April 8, 1868, was a Sunday.
“An Old Reader.”—We are sorry to say that we can give you but little help. The description of your illness is not sufficiently lucid for us to come to any conclusion as to what is wrong with you. And your account of the present trouble with your legs is also so incomplete that we can make nothing out of it. It may be due to flat-foot or sciatica, or one of a vast host of conditions. You had far better see the doctor who attended you during your last illness, as what you have now may be only a sequel to that disease.
Cat Tony.—Eustachian obstruction sometimes ends in complete deafness. More often partial deafness ensues. It is a very difficult complaint to treat. Complete cure is the exception rather than the rule; but some improvement is usually gained by medicinal measures. Sometimes it gets better of its own accord; but it is foolish to rely upon its doing so. Though certainly dangerous to hearing, it is not of itself of any vital danger.
Sybil.—You tell us that you weigh 9 st. 12 lb., but you neglect to state your height. How is it possible for us to know whether you are stout or not? 9 st. 12 lb. is certainly rather heavy for a girl of seventeen; but then everything depends upon your height. The weight is nothing extraordinary; and as you say that your health is perfect you had far better take no notice of your condition. Unless really necessary, it is better for stout persons to remain as they are than to attempt to reduce their weight by means which must of themselves injure the health.
A Subscriber to the “G. O. P.”—Obviously you must be careful not to overtire yourself or get wet, since these bring on the attacks of neuralgia. During the attacks cover the course of the nerve with cotton wool, and take ten grains of citrate of caffeine. A small blister or other form of counter-irritation may give you relief; but it must not be used when the attack is acute.