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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1841 Excerpt: ...for example, which is the effect of the previous convulsive struggles, has been consider ed as their exciting cause. The whole confusion on this point has arisen from not observing to what subdivision of the nervous system the first symptoms belong. I quite agree with Dr. Mcrriman in condemning, as useless, or rather as injurious, the indiscriminate and lavish detraction of blood. 857. The proper mode of treatment comprises the remedies--1. Against the attacks. 2. In the attacks, and in the threatening of the attack. 3. Against their effects. 858. The remedies against the attacks, or the prevention, consists in avoiding all the exciting causes: dental, gastric, intestinal irritation; passion; vexation; disturbance; interrupted sleep, &c. 859. The remedies in the threatening of attacks consist in the watchful and prompt repetition of the same treatment; lancing the gums, relieving the stomach and the bowels. The sleep especially should be watched, and if there be a sardonic smile, or starting, or other symptoms, the little patient must be gently awakened, and the remedies just enumerated should be administered. Mental agitation must be most cautiously avoided. After the gum-lancet, I would advise a copious enema of warm water. 860. If there be great threatening of an attack, I would tickle the fauces, dash cold water on the face, and irritate the nostrils, having the patient placed, as speedily as may be, in the warm bath. 861. To guard against the effects of the attacks, we may deplete the blood vessels alxmt the head with cupping, or leeches, apply an alcoholic lotion constantly all over the head, or, if the case be urgent, the ice-cap. 862. In addition to these measures, the secretions must be corrected, mild mercurials being given, perhaps, to affect...