oiled and allowed to cool to
blood-heat, to which a few drops of acetic acid have been added, but
not so much as to be painful on the sore.

If a syringe is used, boil it before using, and only use boiled or
distilled water in all operations. This secures the destruction of the
germs (or Bacteria), which are now known as the cause of the
inflammation and suppuration of wounds and sores of all kinds.

Spinal Congestion.--In some cases of this trouble the symptoms are very
alarming, consisting in violent convulsive movements, which seem
altogether beyond the possibility of relief. It is something to know
that these terrible kickings and strugglings arise from simply an
accumulation of blood in the vessels of the spinal cord, irritating it
violently, as an electric current might do. Sedatives and narcotics
will be useless. Leeches applied to the spine will sometimes cure by
withdrawing the blood from it, though such treatment leaves no bracing
and strengthening effect, but the very opposite. Use the cold towel,
wrung out and placed along the spine, together with a hot blanket
FOMENTATION (_see_) to the feet and legs, up over the knees. The
patient must be gently held still, as far as possible, so that the
treatment may be applied. The applications will not be at once
successful, but after an hour's work something like permanent relief
should come. Above all, the nurse must keep cool and calm in mind and
manner. There is no need for hysterics, and any excitable person should
be kept out of the sick-room. If the skin of the back has been broken
by blistering or any such treatment, a fine lather (_see_ Lather; Soap)
should be spread over all the back, and on this a soft cloth. Above
this the cold towels may be safely and comfortably applied. It will do
no harm if the treatment be continued for even two or three hours.

Spine, Misshapen.--Often in the case of delicate infants or children,
the bones of the spine fail to have the necessary hardness to bear the
strain which comes upon them, and the spine gets more or less out of
its proper shape. If this softness of bone continues, no amount of
mechanical support, or lying down, will cure the misshapen spine.
Therefore means should be taken by proper diet and nourishment to help
the production of good bone substance in the child's body. The best
bone-making food we know is good oatmeal, as well-boiled porridge
(boiled for two or three hours), or as oatmeal jelly and gruel.