he patient not
above average strength, it should always be applied. No one who has not
seen it can imagine the magical effect such treatment has. It is
simple, but its efficiency has been demonstrated in a very large number
of cases of cure.

Malaria.--Is now known to be conveyed by the bite of a certain kind of
mosquito. Those who live in a malarious district should carefully
exclude these from their houses, and by draining swamps and covering
water butts prevent their breeding, which is always in stagnant water.
If, however, exposure to infection cannot be prevented, much may be
done to strengthen the system to resist it. Firstly, note that there is
a great deal in the _food and drink_ of a family compelled to live in
such a district. If they live largely on animal food, and drink
alcoholic liquors, they will seriously add to the power of malarial
influence. The use of simple food and _pure water_ will very much
lessen it. Let us note that the very opposite of the popular
superstition is the truth. A single glassful of gin, whiskey, or
brandy, instead of "fortifying" against such infection, actually knocks
down the "fortifications" which nature has reared against its power.
These drinks, then, must be strictly avoided.

[Illustration: Muscles of Back
(Surface muscles removed on right side exposing the
deeper ones).]

[Illustration: Massaging the Back.]

[Illustration: Massaging the Back.]

Massage.--This seems a very simple thing to do, but is by no means easy
to do right, and it is very desirable that any one who can see it done
by a qualified person should take advantage of the opportunity. The
rubber must keep his attention closely fixed on the work, and though
this is fatiguing to body and mind, it is absolutely necessary if the
patient is to derive full benefit from the treatment. The skin should
first be lightly rubbed with olive oil; except in very special cases
"friction" between hand and skin is to be avoided. The hand should move
the skin to and fro over the muscles and bones beneath, and should be
always elastic, so as to go easily in and out of the hollows, and avoid
violent contact with projecting bones in the case of emaciated
patients. The good rubber should know anatomy so far as to understand
where bones and muscles lie (_See_ Diagram, page 216). An intelligent
moving of all the muscles of a part is almost equal in benefit to
gymnastic exercise, and can of cou