In the next place, perspiration should be the principal object in view. To this end, let the patient immediately after bleeding go to rest, and take a dose of the Fever Powder (L); upon which let him drink plenty of Balm Tea (12); which will generally bring on a perspiration.
If however the fever increases, the pulse continues to beat hard and full, the head-ach, difficulty of breathing, a great draught and delirium should ensue, bleeding indeed may be repeated, provided it is within the same twenty-four hours; but if the symptoms come on beyond that time, then bleeding will seldom prevail, or do any good, but rather mischief; for by this time, the fever is generally agitated by acrimony, and the blood is of its own accord poor enough without being made more so by bleeding.
In the symptoms which I mentioned, regard should be had to the body being gently kept open, not by purges but by clysters; for purges in fevers are precarious, and liable to bring on heavy fluxes. If the patient under this high fever is costive, give him the following clyster.
No. XXIII
Take warm water one pint, or something more; in which scrape about one ounce of castile or hard soap, and let it perfectly dissolve; then add a spoonful of honey to it, and let it be as warm as that it may be easily borne to your cheek.
Let the patient keep this clyster within him as long as he can, till it comes away with a stool.
If the patient is sick at the stomach, a vomit of ipecacuanha (S) or No. [XXVI], will be very proper, and nothing in such a case can be given more safety and better advantage; for it is not only the stomach that gets relieved, but the whole body is brought thereby into perspiration, by the universal strain it occasions. After the vomit, or after the clyster, give the following draught.
No. XXIV
Take of fever powder (L) one scruple; common water or balm tea, one ounce or half a tea cup full; then take a lump of sugar, on which pour essential oil of peppermint (U) three drops; liquid laudanum (T) eight drops; sweet spirit of nitre (D) thirty drops; and mix them with a tea spoon.
This draught will not only promote perspiration, but it will comfort the stomach, and incline the patient to an agreeable rest; by which he will be greatly refreshed. If occasion requires, it may be repeated every six hours.