Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 2, 1802).djvu/296

266] F E V 2. Where the powers of the body are insufficient to expel the febrile matter, the symptoms be- come more aggravated ; but there is no danger to be apprehended from them, unless there prevail too great -debility. Thus, an intermit- ting pulse, bleeding, vomiting, gid- diness, &c. are frequently the fore- runners of the crisis ; and the most violent fit of an ague is often the last, — not unlike continued fevers, when patients, during the last ex- acerbation, which terminates the disease, appear to struggle with death. If, therefore, the pulse becomes natural and proportionate to the strength of the patient ; if respiration is no longer impeded ; and a sound sleep succeeds the pa- roxysm, there is every prospect of a speedy recovery ; but, it these changes have occurred only in a .slight degree, the crisis may then be considered as imperfect, and the fortunate. issue of the disease depends on the vigour remaining in the constitution. Lastly, 3. Should, however, the skin continue in a dry and parched state ; breathing be short and interrupted ; the pulse become progressively quickc r, and the excretions begin to emit a putrid, cadaverous stench, the worst consequences are then to be feared. It is also a dangerous .sign, when the different symptoms bear no proportion to each other ; for instance, if, notwithstanding a dry mouth and tongue, the patient be not thirsty ; if he evince a dis- like to adds in a putrid fever, and his pulse be feeble during great heat and an increased circulation of the blood. For the treatment and cure of fever, in general, it is impossible to lay down any precepts which are applicable to every indiyjdu- FE V al : we shall, therefore, confine our observations to the following points : 1 . The nature of the fever ought to be ascertained by professional men, who will accordingly endea- vour to remove, if possible, the) proximate cause. Thus, where bilious impurities abound, they are often most effectually evacuated by emetics ; where a plethora or fulness of blood prevails in the constitution, bleeding is occasion- ally useful ; where the humours appear to be in an acrid state, it. will be necessary to take diluent liquors, such as ptisan, gruel, &c. a tea cupful every half hour, and, to abstain from ali solid food, eggs, and even broth. 2. To promote the crisis, or as- sist the efforts of Nature by all proper means : thus, if the pulse. become softer and fuller, diapho- retic or sweating remedies will then be necessary ; but nothing ought to be more guarded against in fe- vers, than a precipitate and exces-. sive use of uiedidiws. This cau- tion is so well founded, that the ancients cured the most obstinate, and malignant fevers almost en- tirely by a strict attention to diet and regimen. Hence, the air in the patient's room ought to be pure, and never to exceed JQP. ofFAtt- kexheit j during the cold fit, ad- ditional covering may be allowed,, but which should be instantly re- moved, as well as all leather-beds,, when heat and perspiration com- mence. Both food and drink musi be of a cooling and diluting nature; the latter, in particular, should be plentifully given, without over- loading the stomach. All subacid, ripe fruit, particularly cherries, raspberries, strawberries, ike. arc therefore of singular benelit in all iufkuur