On habits and manners

Wounds. — If an artery or large vein has been cut, and you can always tell if this is the case, by the fact that the blood will come in jets, as if it were pumped, you must stop it by pressing your finger upon the artery above the wound, if it is in the leg or arm, it being necessary, as perhaps you understand, to stop the flow from the heart. Sometimes, a compress made of cotton or a folded cloth bandaged tightly on the artery, always, of course, between the wound and the heart, will effect the purpose, but where there are two persons present who can rest each other, it is best to use the finger. When the wound is superficial, and the blood simply oozes from it, direct pressure with a soft cloth wet in hot water, should be used. Hemorrhage. — When it is from the lungs, the patient should be made to lie down, with the head low, and keep perfectly quiet, not even speaking or lifting the head. Very cold applications may be made to the chest, that is, cloths wrung out of cold water and frequently changed. When the hemorrhage is from the lungs or other internal organ, the same position must be maintained, with perfect quiet. Burns and Scalds. — Dissolve a teaspoonful of soda in half a pint of water, which will be almost a teacupful, wet a soft cloth in it and put it directly on the burn. Do not remove the cloth, but when it is dry wet it by pouring a little of the solution directly upon it. Or, take equal parts of lime water and sweet oil, mix well, and apply to the burn as directed for the soda ; or, if the burn is superficial, so that the skin is not entirely taken off, cover it at once with a piece of isinglass plaster, which must be left until the place is healed. Convulsions in Children. — Put the child at once in a hot bath for ten minutes or longer. When it is taken out, wrap it in a warm blanket, keep the head cool and the feet warm, and if it can swallow, give a close of oil. To prevent it from biting its tongue and lips, put a cork, or a folded towel, between the teeth till the paroxysm is over, being careful not to impede the breathing. Fainting. — Keep the head low, loosen the clothing and put camphor or ammonia to the nose, or a little pepper on the tongue. Croup. — Produce vomiting as soon as possible, either by ipecac, salt and water, or any mild emetic which you have at hand. Apply cloths wrung out of very hot water to the throat, being careful always to put dry cloths over the wet ones, and to change as soon as they get cool. Broken Bones. — The only thing which can be done until the doctor comes, is to keep the patient from moving, and to lay the limb or injured part in a position as nearly natural as possible. Blows on the Head. — Use very cold applications to the head, keep the feet warm, and on the soles put small mustard plasters. Allow the patient to sleep, and permit no noise or excitement in the room, which, in all these cases, should he well ventilated and quiet.