Arizona republican., 1893-04-30
THE SICK ROOM.
[BY WI. W. HIBBARD, |. D.l

In this article it is our intention to throw out some general hints regard- ing management of the sick, especially as pertaining to the room which the invalid may occupy the greater part Il not his eDtire time.
 One important, though simple con sideraton, Is oftimes inadvertently over. looked even by those who ordinarily are quite observant in other matters. The location of the bed in room is more important in health or sickness than one would suppose, this is very much SO in the case of an invalid who Is read fly susceptible to slight disadvantages or changes. The bed and esp cially the sick bed shonld be situated so that if pos ss be the patient will not be exposed 10 a draft of air, for by this expos ure, certain parts are sure to b.c pme affecl ed unfavora bly, to greater or less d. gree, aLd conditions pertaining to the circulation are thereby modified to the detriment of the part exposed, re- eulting sometimes in one aiiment and sometimes in another, developing as it 1t were physical impairment at the weakest spot in the invnlid's system. The bed should also be placed so as to have some sunlight, for in most cases It is great mistake to keep rooms in a darkened condition. We do not mean that flood of sunlight should be ad- nitted, but rather q soitened tempered one that can be easily arranged by slightly shading the lights.
 All of the best hospitals in the United States and Europe are so built and ar. | haf h..r tn m dark rooms occupied by the sick. It is considered by those who have carefully investigated hospital management, that light must be had in the sick room if the best results ensne. There should mol only be plenty of fresh air, but it should be sun warmed air. In a private house, many things are not SO easily ar ranged regarding furniture as in a hospital.
 Undoubtedly it is far better not to have much in a sick room, in con tinued sickness, or even in one of short duration, unless the greatest of care he exercised. Carpets, curtains, etc. he- come filled with exhalations from the body and thus the air becomes contam. mated and positively impure. We have all noticed in the sunbeam as it sheds it's rays accross the room, how filled 1t is with minute particles of dust.
 | In dust there is not infreQuently much organic matter and in this matter there may be in the sick room much which is of an injurious character. It | may be saturated with animal exhala- tions. hence 1t Is alwas better 10 have as few articles of furniture to which such injurious exhalations may attach i themselves.
 It is of vital importance that the air be of the purest kind. It is al well known fact that even the walls of 6 room may take up and retain the germs of disease. Paper on the wall in most cases, retains to some degree, organic particles found in dust. It would be far better to have walls oil painted than papered. If painted, they can be kept clean by washing. If wall be p!asl- cred and hard finished, there is less liability of retention of disease than II papered. Carpets filled with diri and all the infectious contents which the term plies do much in spreading dls- easas. Not only from hygienic, but also from fashionable standpoint. We do not believe in many carpets about 6 house. How much better to have nice clean floor and If 1t he ones own home, have it smoothly planed, closely matched and well oiled, the oil thoroughly rubbed in and stained with some well selected color. Such floor can be polished and kept clean. On it a small piece of carpeting ar rug may be placed which can be easily taken up and shaken at any time and thrs re main comparatively clean, at least to thai degree that nodetrimental influence will come from it.
 In what has been written, we would not have 1t inferred that the writer would have the sick room without many things which wonld tend to make it decidedly pleasant and cheerful. It is very desirable to have pleasing colors and prety pictures, as we'll as beautiful flowers to look upon. The effect upon