[55]. This work is exclusively intended for the perusal of wives; I beg, however, to observe that there is one sign of pregnancy which I have not pointed out, but which to a medical man is very conclusive; I mean the sounds of the fœtal heart, indicated by the stethoscope. Moreover, there are other means besides the stethoscope known to a doctor, by which he can with certainty tell whether a woman be pregnant or otherwise, but which would be quite out of place to describe in a popular work of this kind.
[56]. The bidet may be procured of a cabinet-maker, the sitz-bath of a furnishing ironmonger.
[57]. Burton.
[58]. Abernethy.
[59]. Popular Science Review.
[60]. These pills and all medicines prescribed in this book ought to be prepared by a chemist.
[61]. The hot-water bag, or bottle as it is sometimes called, is composed of vulcanized india-rubber, and is made purposely to hold very hot water. The bag ought not to be more than half filled with water, as it will then better adapt itself to the shape of the bowels. The water must be hot, but not boiling hot; if it should be very hot, the bag ought to be wrapped in flannel.
[62]. Take four poppy-heads and four ounces of chamomile blows, and boil them in four pints of water for half an hour, to make the fomentation, which should then be strained, and made quite hot in a saucepan when required.
[63]. Waring’s Manual of Therapeutics.
[64]. Let the ointments be made by a druggist.