Glycerine and soapy water, equal parts, may be introduced into the bowel for temporary relief of a persistent constipation.
In instances when feeding by the mouth is impossible, nutrient enemas should be given every three or four hours during the day. The absorption does not take place in the large bowel as readily as in the small intestines, so only a small amount of a more highly concentrated solution is given at one time. A child one year of age will be given one teaspoon, from one to four years of age a teaspoon to a tablespoon is allowed, and up to twelve years from one to eight tablespoons are given in the nutrient enema. Peptonized meat preparations may be employed in greater concentration than directed by the use of the mouth. Peptonized milk containing an egg is often used. The pepsin is added to the mixture only when warm, and is injected at once.
EMETICS
1. A glass of warm water containing as much common table salt as can be dissolved.
2. A teaspoon of mustard in a large glass of warm water.
3. A teaspoon of syrup of ipecac, repeated in fifteen minutes if necessary.
Any one of these emetics is useful in instances where it is desirable to empty the stomach at once.
A CALORIE
A calorie is the heat unit used in the estimation of the fuel value of various foods. For instance, an ordinary slice of homemade bread contains 100 calories. An ordinary fig contains almost 100 calories. A large orange or an apple or a glass of grape juice contains about 100 calories. There are 100 calories in three teaspoons of sugar or honey.
A complete food list with the estimation of calorie value of foods is found in The Science of Living, page 370, while on page 99 of the same book is a very helpful table showing the amounts of various foods required to equal 100 calories. The reader will find this exceedingly practical in estimating food values for the household.