All pulmonic patients will, while taking counsel of some physician, do well to remember that their cases rest largely in their own hands; indeed, more depends on their own care of themselves than on the efficacy of any system of medicine.  Lung disease is usually of a most flattering character, and its influence on the mind differs from that of any other, in that the patient is lulled into a serene and hopeful condition.  This sense of security attends no other ill to the same extent.  It is perhaps fortunate that such is the case, since, in many instances, there would be little vantage ground on which to rally.  Still, while this peculiarity seems to be and is an advantage, there is another aspect of it which is quite as damaging, viz., the neglect and inattention, into which the patient is, too often, betrayed by this fancied security; frequently resulting in fatal consequences.  It is, again, a most singular fact that, while the consumptives are thus blinded to their real danger, they become, quite as readily as other people, alarmed concerning friends who happen to be similarly afflicted; and this should serve as a caution against the companionship of invalids.  Indeed, the influence of mind upon mind is so positive and subtle as to render it important that the invalid’s surroundings be made as cheerful and bright as possible.  The sunshine of good company rivals that of the day in restorative power.

Among the more essential matters in the way of hints to invalids, left for brief elaboration in this chapter, is that of

DRESS.

This should be easy-fitting and comfortable.  Woollen under-clothing is required during nine months of the year in our climate; and, except it should disagree with the person, ought to be worn.  It carries off the exhalations better, leaving the skin dryer and less liable to colds.  The weight of the material can be varied to suit the changing seasons.  For the summer months a mixed article, of wool and cotton, is desirable; but in no case should a change be made from all wool to all cotton.  It is better to continue in the use of wool altogether than to commit this error.  It is not a hardship to wear woollen through the hottest season of the year.  Half of all our seamen do it, even while sailing in the tropics, and both their health and comfort is undoubtedly increased by it.  It is, indeed, essential for many patients to wear it as a guard to some extent against summer complaints.  If any inconvenience of heat is experienced at mid-day, it is better to change the outside clothing, adjusting that to the thermometer, rather than to disturb one’s underwear.  There are some sensitive-skinned people whom, we know, cannot endure the contact of flannel; such can, however, usually wear, without inconvenience, the mixed goods—­especially if it be washed once or twice before it is used.

It is important that all the clothing worn through the day should at night be laid aside, and a nightdress substituted, which should be a flannel wrapper coming nearly or quite to the feet.  Changes of underwear ought to be made once each week, and special care taken that it be well aired and dried.