The Ideal cook book

Though called tonsillites, the inflammation is rarely confined to the tonsils, but involves the pharynx, the soft palate and the uvula and sometimes extends to the root of the tongue. It commences with a feeling of dryness and discomfort about the throat and with pain in swallowing. The mucous membrane lining the throat is reddened, and the tonsils are more or less swollen. As the disease advances, the inflamed parts, at first dry, became covered with viscid mucous, and the distress of the patient is greatly enhanced by the effort which he is tempted to make to remove this secretion. In many cases suppuration occurs in one or both tonsils; when this takes place those organs are often enormously swollen, and, together with the obstruction of the inflamed palate, may render breathing difficult and painful. In such cases the febrile reaction is strongly marked, the skin being hot and the pulse full and frequent, the patient is unable to take nourishment, and the voice becomes thick and characteristic of the disease. The disease, though painful, is attended with little danger, but the inflammation may by extension involve the larynx and thus prove fatal. The disease requires but little treatment. Where the mucous membrane alone is involved, a stringent gargle, repeated five or six times a day, usually gives relief. The food should be liquid—soups, beef tea, milk, etc.—and should be. swallowed in large mouthfuls, which give less pain than smaller ones. If an abscess forms in either or both tonsils the greatest relief is obtained from frequent inhalations of warm steam, which acts as a poultice to the inflamed parts. As soon as the location of the abscess can be determined, it should be opened, after which there is usually no further trouble. 1004. An Excellent Remedy for a Cold. Take a large teacupful of linseed, two pennyworth of stick liquorice, and a quarter of a pound of sun raisins. Put these — into two quarts of soft water, and let it simmer over a slow fire till it is reduced to one; then add to it a quarter of a pound of brown sugar-candy (pounded), a tablespoonful of old rum, and a tablespoonful of the best white-wine vinegar, or lemon-juice. Drink half a pint at going to bed, and take a little when the cough is troublesome. This receipt generally cures the worst of colds in two or three days, and if taken in time, may be said to be almost an infallible remedy. It is a most balsamic cordial for the lungs, without the opening qualities which endanger fresh colds on going out. It has been known to cure colds that have been almost settled into consumption, in less than three weeks. The rum and vinegar are best to be added only to the quantity you are going immediately to take ; for if it is put into the whole it is apt to grow flat. 1005. Colds (How to prevent). The Popular Science Monthly gives good advice in regard to the prevention of colds. The mistake is often made of not taking great care to put on extra wraps and coats when preparing for outdoor exercise. This is not at all necessary in robust persons. Sufficient heat to prevent all risk of chill is generated in the body by exercise. The care should be taken to retain sufficient clothing after exercise, and when at rest to prevent the heat passing out of the body. Indeed, persons very often catch chills from throwing off extra clothing after exercise, or from sitting about in garments the material of which is not adapted to prevent the radiation of heat from the body. 1006. Cough. A convulsive effort of the lungs to get relief of phlegm or other matter; it may be a symptom of Bronchitis, or Catarrh, or Croup, or Influenza, or Laryngitis, or Phthisis, or Pleurisy, or Pneumonia, or Relaxed Uvula, also Whooping Cough. We can here lay down but a few general principles with re-