Fourth. These to be given in quantity and frequency proportioned to the general strength or debility of the patient.
By careful observation, the feelings of the invalid will be found to furnish the most unequivocal evidence of the truth of the foregoing principles—any deviation from which will soon be attended with symptoms more or less unpleasant.
897. Arrow-root—Contains, in small bulk, a greater proportion of nourishment than any other farinaceous substance yet known.
Take of arrow-root, one table-spoonful; sweet milk, half a pint; boiling-water, half a pint: boil these together for a few moments.
898. Arrow-root Jelly.—Take one spoonful of arrow-root, and cold water sufficient to form a paste; add one pint of boiling water: stir it briskly, and boil it a few minutes, when it will become a smooth, clear jelly. A little sugar and sherry wine may be added, for debilitated patients; but for infants, a drop or two of the essence of caraway-seed or cinnamon is preferable, wine being very apt to become acid in the stomach of infants, and thus disagree with the bowels.
899. Sago.—Take two table-spoonfuls of sago, and one pint of boiling water; stir together, and boil gently, until it thickens. Wine, sugar, and nutmeg may be added, according to circumstances.