cles
depends. Hence, in a sprain of the heel we must be careful not to
direct attention to the heel exclusively. That may be bathed (_see_
Bathing Feet) and duly rubbed with oil. A good plan is to apply cloths
dipped in cold water and vinegar. Keep the limb perfectly still, and do
not attempt to use it for at least a fortnight. After this it may be
cured to all appearance, yet a weakness may be left which prevents
anything like the full and free use of the limb. It may be all right
when resting, but suffers when used for any length of time: this
indicates pretty plainly that _rest_ is needed, and is an essential
thing for cure. But besides this rest, the foot should be packed during
the night in soap lather (_see_ Lather and Soap). Wash the foot in
vinegar or weak acetic acid, rub the whole limb from the ankle
_upwards_ in such a way as to draw the blood up from the foot, avoiding
all down-strokes. Use a little olive oil in this rubbing. Note that the
whole limb needs treatment. The juice of _Lady Wrack_, such as is to be
found on the west coast of Scotland, is an excellent remedy for
sprained joints; but we only mention it, as it must be inaccessible to
many of our readers.

Hiccup.--Though often but slight, disappearing in a few minutes by some
simple device, such as holding the breath, when long continued this
becomes most serious. Very often it is an added distress in trouble
which is itself incurable; but while the patient's life cannot be
saved, the hiccup may be relieved. In the common case of infant hiccup,
a lessening of the over-supply of food may be all that is required. One
or two teaspoonfuls of hot water given to the infant will usually give
immediate relief. For a grown-up person with a slight attack, one or
two teacupfuls of the same will also usually prove a remedy. For
serious cases the treatment is a large BRAN POULTICE (_see_) placed on
the back, opposite the stomach. Well oil the back before and after the
poultice, and leave it on for an hour. If this fails, after a little,
prepare a blanket as directed under Fomentation. Roll it up until it is
the size of the patient's back, and let him lie down on it. (Read here
article on Heat and Weakness.) Then a small cold towel may be passed
gently over the stomach. This will generally relieve. It may be
repeated if necessary.

Hip-Joint Disease.--Thorough heating, with moist heat is the best
treatment for this trouble. This implies time, work, and pati