t any time, for an unprofessional person to
prescribe for a case where worms are actually known to exist: surely
where there is any doubt upon the latter point it must be greater folly
still.

The infant at the breast is seldom, if ever, the subject of this
disorder, whilst an artificial diet, or bringing up by hand,
predisposes to it. Worms most frequently occur, however, during
childhood; much more so at this epoch than in adult age. They do not
invariably occasion indisposition, for they are now and then passed
without pain or distress by children who are in the enjoyment of
perfect health, and in whom previously there was not the slightest
suspicion of their existence. The idea, formerly so prevalent, of their
being attended with danger, is without foundation; for unless the case
be mismanaged, they rarely give rise to serious consequences.

HOW PRODUCED, AND HOW BEST PREVENTED.--The causes of worms it is not
very easy to explain; at the same time it is very certain that some
known circumstances favour their production.

If the general health of a child be enfeebled, particularly if the
child be strumous, such a condition will favour the generation of these
animals. The protracted use of unwholesome and innutritious articles of
food, or a deficient supply of salt (the most necessary stimulant to
the digestive organs), or other condiments, predisposes to worms. This
observation is strikingly illustrated by an occurrence which formerly
took place in Holland, where an ancient law existed forbidding salt in
the bread of certain criminals; they were in consequence horribly
infested with worms, and quickly died. Sugar, too, whilst a necessary
condiment for the food of children, if given in the form of sweetmeats,
and their indulgence, long persisted in, may so enfeeble the organs of
digestion as to cause worms. And, lastly, (though many other causes
might be referred to) the injudicious means occasionally employed to
effect the removal of these animals, by the debility produced in the
intestinal canal, favours not only their re-appearance but their
increase.

These, then, are so many causes which may occasion worms in the child,
and of course the best and most effectual method to prevent their
production is their avoidance. A mother, therefore, should at all times
be careful in the regulation of the diet and general management of her
child's habits and health, even if no stronger obligations existed than
the dread