Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 4, 1802).djvu/184

^^8] sue SUCKLING, w the aft of ad- ministering the maternal milk to an infant, by the breast. Having already, in the articles Beeasts, Milk (vol, iii. p. 202), and Nipples, stated the particu- lars relative to this important func- tion in the animal economy, we shall briefly observe, that al! mo- thers are by Nature enjoined to suckle their own offspring ; and that they cannot in justice decline such affectionate office, excepting from the most urgent and absolute motives; such as a general diseased habit ; want of milk ; or a local dis- ease in the breasts. These impe- diments, however, seldom occur ; though many delicate women are apt to assign a variety of other causes, which induce them to ne- gleft a duty, incumbent even on irrational creatures. If it be true, that milk is secreted in proportion to the quantity r/raww, it follows, that by such prattice the breast can never be so emptied as not to receive a fresh supply. Hence, the infant should be suck- led, and put to the breast, as soon as it evinces a desire, wiiich will be in less than 12 hours after deli- very, frequently within an hour; provided no food be previously allowed. Although the quantity of milk thus obtained bevery small, jet it is adapted to the purpose ; and will not only afford sufficient nu- triment to the child, but at the same time be calculated to pro- duce another useful effcft, namely, that of cleansing the bowels, and carrying off" the mecnnium, or the first excrement. For these obvious reasons, we fully agree with the Rev. C. CuuTTWELL, who judi- ciously observes, that " at any time when the nipples and breasts are not uneasy, or inffamcd^ the SUF child may suck without fear ; but, if omitted till the breasts become uneasy or inflamed, every effort of the child's sucking will add to the mother's torment, deprive her of rest_, and most probably increase the disease." SUET, is the solid fat secreted in the cellular membrane under the skin, and various parts of the ani- mal body, for instance, in sheep, oxen, &c. but not in the human species. The uses oi suet, for culinary and other purposes, require no farther explanation : we shall therefore only remark, that dishes prepared from this substance and flour, ought to be boiled, till the fat be intimately blended with the mealy ingredient ; as otherwise they will prove oppressive to the stomach, and be with great difficulty di- gested. — See also Pudding. SUFFOCATION, denotes a sus- pension of the most important vi- tal function, namely, that of re- spiring or breathing ; withoutwhich animal life cannot be supported. '^I'his dangerous casualty may arise from various causes, such as the want of air to a person ini- mersi'd under water; or the ir- ruption of that fluid into the chest j in which case it is termedDaowN-. ING (sec that article). It is also oc- casioned by too great a determina- tion of blood to the lungs, as in ■ quinsies, suffocative catarrhs, &c. Another cause of suffocation, is the introduction of any substances into the windpipe, or the swallow- ing of such foreign matters as re- main fixed in the gullet j and by compression prevent the access of air to the lungs ; in which cases, a total cessation of breathing may be apprehended. To obviate this fatal accident, gentle percussion of the