4th. Never mix the medicine within sight or hearing of the patient.
5th. Let it be prepared without her knowledge; and insist upon its being taken immediately upon being presented, for the longer her mind is permitted to dwell upon it, the more abhorrent it will become.
6th. Endeavor to destroy the taste and smell as much as possible, by any appropriate means, when it has not been done by the apothecary or physician.
7th. Let the mouth be well rinsed with the acid after taking it, and let a swallow or two of lemonade, or some other admissible drink, be taken.
889. Plasters and Poultices—Mustard Plasters.—Take a sufficient quantity of bread crumbs finely rubbed, add mustard in proportion to the required strength; form a poultice of the proper consistency, by adding vinegar or water. Dr. Wood thinks water preferable, as he is of the opinion that vinegar destroys an essential property of the mustard. Mustard employed for this purpose should be whole grain, fresh as can be procured, and bruised or mashed in a mortar, or by any other convenient means. When mustard cannot be procured, horse radish leaves may be substituted; they must be rolled with a rolling-pin, to mash and make soft the hard stems, and withered by pouring over them a little scalding water.
After they have been applied, the feet must be frequently examined to see that they do not get cold. Often more harm than good is done by the nurse neglecting this part of her duty. Burdock and cabbage leaves are frequently directed to be applied to the feet; they are prepared in the same manner, and require the same attention.
890. Spice Plaster.—Pulverized cloves, cinnamon, and Cayenne pepper, half an ounce each; mix, and add flour and wine of galls, or diluted spirits, to form this plaster; lay it hot on the region of the stomach. It is excellent for pains and spasms.