Page:Diphtheria - a lecture delivered at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital (IA b22345656).pdf/23

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DIPHTHERIA.
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iron, not only from the analogy of its undoubted value in the treatment of erysipelas, but from positive evidence of its unquestionable value in the practice of several gentlemen in this county. I may mention more particularly the Messrs. Dix, of Smallburgh, and Mr. Clowes, of Stalham, each of whom has had unusual opportunities of testing its advantages. If this form of medicine be determined on, it may be given in water in doses of from ten to thirty drops, according to the age of the patient, or it may be combined beneficially with infusion of quassia, and rendered more palatable by the addition of syrup, especially in the case of children. I prefer, however, if it can be so taken, to administer it in water, and diluted only to an extent sufficient to allow of its being readily swallowed, as in this way it acts locally on the pharynx during deglutition. A few minutes after its ingestion a further quantity of plain water may be drank to ensure its more ample dilution in the stomach. The chlorate of potass may be given in doses of from five to fifteen grains either alone or combined with the same number of drops of hydrochloric acid; the medium, as in the other case, may be either water or a bitter infusion.

But whichever of these medicines be decided upon, wine and nourishment must be given with an unsparing hand, measured by effect rather than quantity; and here is the main difficulty in these cases. It is easy to say, give so much wine and so much beef tea, and let the child have this and that medicine every so many hours; but recommending is one thing, getting it done is another. The poor child, if an infant, cannot be per-