only cool, but well ventilated. Her food, also, both for
the sake of the general circulatory system, and for that, also, of the
sympathizing skin, was not only cool, but unstimulating.

In addition to all this, and in pursuance of the same general plan, a
warm or rather a tepid bath was administered. But in applying this the
greatest care was used. The water was only warmed just enough so as not
to feel uncomfortable. It had so good an effect that it was repeated.

The fever did not run so high as had been expected; and our
apprehensions gradually disappeared. All went on well, and, in a few
days, health was entirely restored. None of the neighbors sickened as
the consequence, either of infection or of contagion.

I do not mean, by the relation of this fact, to intimate that every case
of scarlatina, treated in the same way, would be attended with similar
results; for the powers of life are often fed by sicklier streams than
in the present case. There is often a large amount, so to speak, of
combustible matter in every "nook and corner," ready to be ignited by
the burning flood, as it courses its way through the system. Yet, even
then, the flame would be greatly diminished by keeping quiet. Who has
not observed the difference, amid a general conflagration, between a
most perfect stillness and a blustering or windy moment? The difference
between perfect quiet of body and mind and great agitation and fear, in
their effects on health and disease, is scarcely less striking, if not,
indeed, more so.

CHAPTER LXXXIII.

IGNORANCE NOT ALWAYS BLISS.

Pope says of the freethinker, that he may be "all things in an hour." So
may some people in their medical creed, at least, practically. They
change their opinions with almost every change in the position of the
weathercock. To-day they are very orthodox, medically; to-morrow they
are ready to throw physicians and medicine to the four winds, if not to
the dogs. Just as the freethinker is now very orthodox in religious
matters, and in a day or an hour quite out at sea.

My troubles with patients of this description have been numerous and
great. They promise well, and probably _mean_ well. But just as the new
wad in a boy's pop-gun drives out the old one, in order to occupy its
place, so the very next medical adviser, especially if he have much
self-confidence, secures their entire trust, and I, for the time, seem
to lose it. At least, mine is eclipsed. The people I am