It is to be noted that when a patient is carried through a course of medicine and steamed, if he has been long under mercurial treatment, then while under the operation of the steam, when the heat is at its highest, the face may swell'. To overcome this, add some vinegar to hot water and soak cloths in this. Wring out dry as possible and apply to swollen parts as hot as can be borne and also permit the patient to inhale the •vinegar fumes. As soon as one cloth cools apply another hot one and continue until swelling subsides.
In many instances it may be found inconvenient or even impossible to give the vapor or steam baths. In such cases the bath tub should be half filled with water as warm as the patient can comfortably bear. Immerse the entire body in this water and permit patient to remain in it for from five to thirty minutes, according to the condition to be overcome. Dry the body well and give an. alcohol rub.
In high temperatures it is the modern practice to use ice caps or packs. This lowers the resistence of the system and is a shock. Vapor and steam baths as well as immersion will do all that ice packs can do and besides, will help to eliminate poisons and congestion and reinforce the vital forces so as to help them maintain life until the enemy disease is overcome.
56 THOMSONIAN SYSTEM
Immersion is indicated whenever the temperature rises above 101. When the temperature reaches 102}^ to 103 these baths may be given every five hours. Care must be exercised so as to avoid chills. This is readily done by quickly drying the body after leaving the warm water and following this by a rub. In cases where there is extreme weakness, only a part of the body at a time should be bathed with tepid water and this followed by a rub. The vital forces must be reinforced by natural stimulants such as will be described.
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