104 or 105, but falls quickly the seventh, fifth, eighth, sixth and ninth day in this order of frequency.  In a few hours, usually twelve, the temperature falls to normal or below, usually with profuse sweating and with quick relief to all symptoms.  This relief from distressing symptoms is, of course, a time of rejoicing to both patient and friends and the patient and nurse may feel inclined to relax a little from the strict observance of rules followed up to this time.  Do not, under any circumstances, yield to such folly.  Keep patient properly covered, as he is weak from the strain and the pores are open.

[Infectious diseases 219]

Convalescence is usually rapid.  A prolonged rise of temperature after the crisis may be regarded as a relapse.  Death may occur at any time after the third day from sudden heart failure, or from complications such as pleurisy, nephritis, meningitis, pericarditis, endocarditis, gangrene of the lungs.

Mothers’ remedies.—­1.  Lungs, Salt Pork for Inflammation of.—­“Salt pork dipped in hot water, then covered thick with black pepper.  Heat in the oven and lay or bind on the throat and lungs.”

2.  Lungs, Raspberry Tincture for Inflammation of.—­“Take one-half pound of honey, one cup water; let these boil; take off the scum; pour boiling hot upon one-half ounce lobelia herb and one-half ounce cloves; mix well, then strain and add one gill of raspberry vinegar.  Take from one teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful four times a day.  Pleasant to take.”

3.  Lungs, Herb Ointment for Congestion of.—­

“Oil of Turpentine     1/2 ounce
Oil of Hemlock         1/2 ounce
Oil of Peppermint      1/2 ounce
Oil of Feverweed       1/2 ounce

Mix this with one cup warm lard.”

Rub this ointment on throat or lungs and apply a flannel over it.  Heat it through thoroughly with hot cloths.  If used thoroughly and the cold is taken in time will prevent pneumonia.

4.  Lungs, Mullein for Congestion.—­“The mullein leaves may be purchased at any drug store or gathered in the fields.  Make a tea of the leaves by steeping them.  Add enough water to one tablespoon mullein to make a pint, which will be three doses, taken three times a day.”  This is a very good remedy.

5.  Lungs, Salve for Weak.—­

    “Bees Wax 1 ounce
    Rosin 1 ounce
    Camphor Gum 1 ounce
    Lard about the size of an egg.”

The beeswax forms sort of a coating and may remain on for several hours.

This is very good.

[220 Mothers’ remedies ]