“According to this theory, the so-called puerperal fever is produced by the absorption of septic matter into the system. It is not essential that the poison should be peculiar or specific; for, just as in surgical pyæmia, any decomposing organic matter either originating within the generative organs of the patient herself, or coming from without, may set up this morbid action.”
The treatment of peritonitis should be prompt and thorough. Sweat the patient as soon as possible. Place several steaming bricks or ears of boiled corn about her. Frequent hot enemas by rectum and vagina are beneficial. If gangrene threatens, it is often arrested by the application of a yeast and charcoal poultice. Take any good lively yeast, make a sponge of corn meal and graham flour, equal parts. When light, add two tablespoons of charcoal to one pint, put on to a large cloth covered with thin gauze and lay over the entire abdomen. Must be changed frequently, not allowing it to get dry. An injection should be given per rectum every three hours, of weak carbolic soapsuds.
The nutriment should be diluted hot milk, or oatmeal gruel. Small pieces of ice will be grateful.
When these directions are followed faithfully, accompanied by appropriate remedies, most cases can be saved.
Even if it should be proven that this disease is septic poisoning, a healthy tone of the organs resists the absorption of the foreign agent,which proves a poison. In twenty years of general practice I never had a fatal case outside of the hospital. My experience emphasizes what I have stated, that the hygienic life and habits, and the avoidance of drugs and instruments go far toward preventing child-bed fever.
CHAPTER XVI.
INFANTS.—THEIR CARE AT BIRTH AND DURING EARLY INFANCY.
“What am I?
An infant crying in the night;
An infant crying for the light;
And with no language but a cry.”