root of the nerve which is irritated,
and consequently overheated. The prejudice is thus overcome, and it is
seen that cold is not to be absolutely avoided, because it has been
once or twice, or many times, wrongly applied.

To prevent the cramp returning, means must be adopted to increase vital
energy in the system. Entire mental rest for an hour after meals must
be taken. If the patient says "I cannot get this," then he simply will
soon have to give up all work, and perhaps narrowly escape a departure
from this working world altogether.

Each morning before rising, the compress should be applied as above for
a short time; the back should then be rubbed with hot olive oil before
dressing. This treatment, and proper rest, will prevent return of the
cramp. If the patient falls asleep on the compress, allow this sleep to
continue unbroken: it is invaluable. So also is the avoidance of all
anxious thought, which is best secured by complete trust in a loving
God and Saviour.

Croup, Less Serious Form.--The less serious croup proceeds from a
nervous closing of the windpipe, the attack being brought on by any
causes of irritation in the nervous system. In this case, when the fit
reaches a certain stage, the throat opens, and breathing proceeds as
usual. This croup is a cramp of the windpipe; the cramp is caused by an
irritation of the nerves controlling it, which are already in a
condition to be easily irritated. The cure is to apply cooling cloths
to the spine. Take the child warm in bed in the morning, and rub the
little back with warm olive oil. Ring out a towel of _cool_, not quite
cold, water; fold this into a narrow compress, and place it along the
spine; place a dry towel above it and wrap up warm. Change for a fresh
cool towel in two or three minutes. If the child falls asleep on this,
leave him till he wakes voluntarily. Rub the back again with oil before
dressing. The cooling may continue for an hour or so. If this treatment
fail, the child may be given medicine to produce vomiting, which
frequently relieves. Before putting to bed at night wash the child all
over with plenty of M'Clinton's SOAP (_see_), dry and rub over with
warm olive oil. Continue this treatment for some days.

Croup, More Serious Form.--This is caused by an accumulation of
material in the windpipe, which is coughed up in pieces of pipe-like
substance, and which, if not removed, threatens suffocation. For
treatment, first give sips of hot