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White Ribbon, Volume 2, Issue 14, 1 August 1896, Page 10

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KuHNB, the author of " The Science of 11 aling," teaches that " dis-ease " is

due to the presence of foreign matter in the body. The foreign matter is either present at birth or is introduced later

by the admission of hurtful substances through the mouth or nose. The system seeks to expel tin.-, outtef through the natural vents, but when unable to do so

deposits it wherever it can. The foreign matter deposited in the body thereupon undergoes a change—it ferments and spreads in fermentation over the whole-

body. The fermentation also produces

warmth, and agitates the entire system. We call the resulting om lition fever. Hi nee (ever always accompanies disease. If the fermentation goes on mainly in the inner parts, the heat is mainly internal, whereas the outer p are chilly. This state is more dangerous than when the fever is in the ex-

ternal parts. The important thing to do now is to change the chilly state into a feverish one : that is, to draw the Ist rnal fever outside, and bring the fermenting matter to the surface. The steam bath, he urges, is the most approved means for stimulating the SOS to that activity which is indispenttble to perfect health. After perspiration has been effected the skin requires a cooling process. " Steel," he says, H when brought to white heat in the fire, must be plunged into coid water, in

order to obtain the requisite temper, that it may not grow soft and useless; with the human body the case is similar."

S ing, then., that we are convinced of the truth of the principle Kuhne advances, our readers will not be surprised at the sameness in the method of treatment we suggest for various diseases. INFLUENZA. The prevalence of Influenza furnishes us with an excuse for saying a few words on its natural treatment. In the first case we will suppose that the head and neck are much congested. Let these parts then first receive special attention. A small basin of boiling water placed over a spirit lamp is necessary. The patient may sit or kneel at will with his head and neck over the basin. To keep in the steam a small

blanket must cover the head and basin at the same time. If no spirit lamp is available, the boiling water in the basin must be frequently renew When .1 good perspiration has 1 .suited, the head and neck need t ) : bed in cold water, or sponged with tepid water and vinegar, followed by a gentle rubbing to ere tlthy circulation. If there ; s much heat in the thro it .

nose, cold cloths should be laid a< i the Upper part of the nose and round the throat.

The treatment might be varied by covering the head and neck with a lather mad" of barilla soap. Anybody who knows how to make tl e lather for shaving purposes will be able to make a basin full. Over the lathi r i flannel wrapper is laid for the sake of comfort and convenience. If, however, it li found to be too tedious a process for the novire hand, boil a small piece of barilla soap in about a pint of water, and add it to a small bath of hot water. Have ready at the same time a good sized basin of coid water. Let the patient kneel before the soapy bath, and then well wash the head and neck. After having thoroughly lathered the head Several times over, take a small jug and with the bath water thoroughly douche the allected parts. Then, with a jug of cold, and a jug of hot water, alternately douche, finally ending with the cold. Now gently rub till a comfortable warmth is restored.

If the whole body is affected it will be well to give a steam bath, followed by a cold sitz. The method has been described by us several times, but as a few of our readers may be ignorant of the plan of action, we crave a general grace for our repetition. Place a small spirit lamp between two bricks set lengthwise. On the bricks, over the lamp, set a small tin of boiling water. A cake tin serves the purpose admirably. A cane-bottomed chair, with the seat covered by a couple of thicknesses of old blanket, is fixed

over the bricks. A bucket of hot water is also prepared, into which the patient puts his feet while in the steam bath. When all arrangements are completed a blanket is folded round the patient as lie sits in the chair. It must, of course, indu 1 icket of hot water. Possibly, in order to keep in the beat, two or three blankets may be necessary. Fhey should, however, be lightly pinned

r nmd the neck. In case of palpitation or raintness, have ready cloths wrung out of cold water, which maybe applied to the head and over the heart. Sips of cold water may also be administered at short intervals. After perspiration has actively taken place the patient must sit in the cold sitz bath and the body b getically rubbed with a ) irse cloth. Then the patient should be rubbed till t healthy glow is produced* Better, however, in our estimation, is the soapy blanket, which, to •!i successful, requires to be given by an expert. Two blankets are soaked in boiling soapy water; the first is wrung out and packed roun 1 the upper portion of the body and then covered with dry blankets to keep in the heat. The second is wrung out and oacked round the legs and feet. After Lhey have become cooled the body

should be sponged with vinegar and water. Only one portion, however, should be sponged ut a time. The bowels should be aided, if constipated, by an injection of a pint or a pint and a-half of pleasantly warm water.

Simple diet should be administered, and should consist of porridge made of wheatmeal or oatmeal and milk, brown bread and butter, fruit, vegetables, and wholesome soups. The less meat the better for the patient. The only beverage required is water with a little lemon juice or grape juice added, and should be taken between meals.

Communications will be gladly acknowledged by A.W., c/o Editor of White Ribbon.