g the paroxysm. This is found to afford
instantaneous relief in difficulty of breathing, depending on internal
diseases and other causes, where the patient, from a very quick and
laborious breathing, is obliged to be in an erect posture.

2671. SPRAINS.--A sprain is a stretching of the leaders or ligaments of
a part through some violence, such as slipping, falling on the hands,
pulling a limb, &c. &c. The most common are those of the ankle and
wrist. These accidents are more serious than people generally suppose,
and often more difficult to cure than a broken log or arm. The first
thing to be done is to place the sprained part in the straight position,
and to raise it a little as well. Some recommend the application of cold
lotions at first. The editress, however, is quite convinced that warm
applications are, in most cases, the best for for the first three or
four days. These fomentations are to be applied in the following
manner:--Dip a good-sized piece of flannel into a pail or basin full of
hot water or hot poppy fomentation,--six poppy heads boiled in one quart
of water for about a quarter of an hour; wring it almost dry, and apply
it, as hot as the patient can bear, right round the sprained part. Then
place another piece of flannel, quite dry, over it, in order that the
steam and warmth may not escape. This process should be repeated as
often as the patient feels that the flannel next to his skin is getting
cold--the oftener the better. The bowels should be opened with a black
draught, and the patient kept on low diet. If he has been a great
drinker, he may be allowed to take a little beer; but it is better not
to do so. A little of the cream of tartar drink, ordered in the case of
burns, may be taken occasionally if there is much thirst. When the
swelling and tenderness about the joint are very great, from eight to
twelve leeches may be applied. When the knee is the joint affected, the
greatest pain is felt at the inside, and therefore the greater quantity
of the leeches should be applied to that part. When the shoulder is
sprained, the arm should be kept close to the body by means of a linen
roller, which is to be taken four or five times round the whole of the
chest. It should also be brought two or three times underneath the
elbow, in order to raise the shoulder. This is the best treatment for
these accidents during the first three or four days. After that time,
supposing that no unfavourable symptoms have take