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Classic
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page 413
of liquid rennet, as directed on bottle, is a delicate dish. Buttered-toast,
either dry or dipped, though so generally given, is rarely a suitable article
for the sick, as melted oils are very difficult of digestion. In quinsy,
diphtheria, inflammation of lungs, typhus and other putrid fevers, acids are of
very great benefit. Take a handful of dried currants, pour over them a pint of
boiling water, let them stand half a minute without stirring, then drain off the
water, strain it through a cloth, and set it away to cool; when given to the
patient, dilute well so that the acid taste is very slight. Acid fruits should
be eaten early in the day. Above all, it should be remembered that it is not the
nourishment which food contains, but that which the stomach can assimilate, that
builds up; a sick person will thrive on what would not sustain a well man.
It is of the utmost importance that the food be delicately and carefully
administered, and this should never be left to servants. It should be made as
attractive as possible, served in the choicest ware, with the cleanest of
napkins, and the brightest of silver. If tea is served, it should be freshly
drawn, in a dainty cup, with a block of white sugar, and a few drops of sweet
cream. Toast should be thin, symmetrical, well yellowed, free from crust, and
just from the fire. Steak should be a cut of the best tenderloin, delicately
broiled, and served with the nicest of roasted potatoes. The attention given to
these simple matters is in many cases worth more than the physician's
prescriptions.
The craving for tea and coffee is almost universal with the sick. A moderate
quantity is a great restorative, but an excess, especially of coffee, impairs
digestion. Neither should be given after five in the afternoon, as they increase
excitement, and cause sleeplessness; but sleeplessness from exhaustion in the
early morning is often relieved by a cup of tea or coffee. The patient's taste
will decide which should be used. In cases of thirst, the physician will
prescribe what other drink should be given to satisfy it. Cocoa is not often
craved by the sick, and possesses no stimulating qualities. Crust-coffee is very
nourishing.
The following recipe makes a delicious, refreshing, and cooling wash for the
sick-room.
Take of rosemary, wormwood, lavender, rue, sage, and mint, a large handful of
each. Place in a stone jar, and turn over it one gallon of strong cider vinegar,
cover closely, and keep near the fire for four days, then strain, and add one
ounce of pounded camphor gum. Bottle, and keep tightly corked.
There is a French legend connected with this preparation (called vinaigre a
quatre voleurs). During the plague at Marseilles, a band of robbers plundered
the dying and the dead without injury to themselves. They were imprisoned,
tried, and condemned to die, but were pardoned on condition of disclosing the
secret whereby they could ransack houses infected with the
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