894. Bark Poultice.—Take of Peruvian bark, one ounce: sprinkle it over a piece of thick muslin of the required size; take another piece of the same size; lay it over the bark, and quilt them together, to keep the bark to its place; moisten it with brandy or vinegar. Some of the aromatics may be used in conjunction with the bark, if indicated.
Let it be worn over the stomach and bowels. It has proved singularly beneficial in cases of obstinate intermittents, and debility arising therefrom.
895. Mush Poultice.—Mush poultices are sometimes ordered; this constitutes an invaluable application in cases of violent pain in the stomach and bowels, such as colic, cramp, &c. It is made by simply boiling the corn-meal until it attains the proper consistency. It must be spread on a cloth, and applied as warm as can be endured. We have known the most inveterate cases relieved by it in fifteen minutes.—Shore.
FOOD FOR THE SICK AND FOR CHILDREN.
896. A few rules, the reasons for which may be found in the Introductory Remarks of "Mrs. Hale's New Cook Book," will be of some advantage here:—
First. Select those substances that are the most soluble—that are readily converted into chyle by the gastric juice.
Second. Those that experience has shown to be the most nutritious.
Third. Those that contain the least amount of stimulus.