There appears then an evident cause why the one extreme is more dangerous than the other. But the inconvenience from either is a sufficient objection to it. What is required of temperature during the use of mercury, is, that it be such as to support a proper balance betwixt the different excretions. To obtain this, a temperature inclining to neither extreme is in general the most proper. When, however, there appears in the constitution a peculiar disposition to the augmentation of any excretion, the temperature in which the patient is kept should incline to the extreme least apt to encourage it.
From what has been said of temperature, it will appear, that it is not necessary in every case, and at every season of the year, that those who take mercury should be confined to a chamber. But, when the circumstances are such as to admit of a patient’s going abroad, all violent exercise is to be avoided. From violent exercise, the patient is liable to the same inconveniencies as from a hot temperature, and frequently to all the dangers resulting from a sudden exposure to cold. Of exercise, as of temperature, it may be observed, that it should be so regulated, as to support a proper balance among the different excretions. For this purpose, when the patient is abroad, moderate exercise is in general requisite. For the same reason also, even when the patient is confined to his chamber, such moderate exercise as can there be obtained, is for the most part proper.
FINIS.
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