to worse in spite of all efforts, while this
_inequality_ between the blood and the tissues continues. This goes on
perhaps for years, and no effort is made to remedy it. Such a case may
often be very easily cured, even where doctors pronounce it hopeless,
if the patient will submit to proper regimen and treatment. Let the
limb be thoroughly bathed, as far above the knee as possible, with
water as hot as can be borne (_see_ Bathing Feet). Pour into the water
about half-a-pint of strong vinegar. Keep up the heat for an hour.
Repeat three times each day--at 11 a.m., 4 p.m., and at bedtime. Rest
from treatment on the Sabbath. When perspiration follows this bath, dry
the patient all over, and rub with vinegar. Dry this off and rub with
olive oil. Dry again, and put on clothes.

When we have to foment a foot or knee in long heatings or bathings, we
find it well sometimes to cool the lower part of the spinal nerves, and
remove all irritation of them.

Then for _diet_, let the patient go on good wholesome wheaten biscuits
(_see_ Biscuits and Water) three times a day as food, and pure water,
with no alcohol of any kind, to drink. And let him give up the use of
tobacco entirely. Many times over, when limbs have been condemned by
the medical men, we have seen them saved in this way. We have seen the
same treatment save arms and fingers, reducing them from swollen and
unsightly sores to perfect shape and complete usefulness.

Limbs, Disjointed, or Sprained.--In the case of an overstretch, or
sprain, which has resulted in a hardened, swollen, and painful state of
the muscles of the arm, bathe the arm in hot water, using plenty of
SOAP (_see_). While the arm lies in this bath, gently squeeze it with
both hands, so as to make the muscles work gently over one another, and
the blood run out and in to the stiff parts. Care must be taken to
avoid hurting the patient. No such effort is needed as to require great
strength--only so much squeezing as urges the blood out of the part
squeezed, and lets it in again when the pressure is taken off.
Persevere in this for half-an-hour, dry, and rub with warm olive oil.
Do this twice daily until the arm is restored.

In the case of a broken or disjointed arm, FOMENTATION (_see_) should
be vigorously applied until proper surgical aid can be had to set the
bones. Even where a joint has been a long time out, such fomentation
persevered in will soften the part, and permit of proper setting of the