870. Avoid, as much as possible, living near Church-yards.—The putrid emanations arising from church-yards are very dangerous; and parish-churches, in which many corpses are interred, become impregnated with an air so corrupted, especially in spring, when the ground begins to grow warm, that it is prudent to avoid this evil as much as possible, as it may be, and, in some cases, has been, one of the chief sources of putrid fevers which are so prevalent at that season.
871. Cautions in visiting Sick Rooms.—Do not venture into a sick room if you are in a violent perspiration; for the moment your body becomes cold, it is in a state likely to absorb the infection; nor visit a sick person, (if the complaint be of a contagious nature,) with an empty stomach, nor swallow your saliva. In attending a sick person, place yourself where the air passes from the door or window, to the bed of the invalid, not between the invalid and the fire, as the heat of the fire will draw the infectious vapor in that direction, and you would run much danger from breathing in it.
872. Syncope, or Fainting.—When fainting comes on from loss of blood, inanition, or sudden emotions of the mind, the patient should be placed in a horizontal position, with the head gently raised. Volatile salts should be applied to the nose, and when the patient is sufficiently recovered, a few spoonfuls of warm cordial medicine should be administered.
873. Preventive of Autumnal Rheumatisms.—For the sake of bright and polished stoves, do not, when the weather is cold, refrain from making fires. There is not a more useful document for health to the inhabitants of this climate, than "follow your feelings."
874. To promote Sleep.—No fire, candle, rush-light, or lamp, should be kept burning, during the night, in a bed-room; for it not only vitiates the air, but disturbs the nerves of the child. Keep the bed-chamber well ventilated—this greatly promotes healthful rest.