The Saint Paul globe., 1900-05-06
Medical Notes.


Aside from the ii. conf rt of loud and
disagreeable noises, such as steam Whls-
| ties, teams on rough streets, hucksters
cries. the ringing of bells. etc, noises
which are, as a rule, unnecessary, there
is a distinct element of danger, especially
to woman and children who are more sus-
ceptible owing to their nervous tempera-
ment. In some eases patients in critical
condition have been killed by hearing
sudden, unexpected loud noise. On the
other hand, there is such thing as 1n-
furious quietness. When a person is
taken sick nearly all or the family IN
variabiy tip-toe around the house and
talk in whispers or a hushed tone of
voice This is especially noticeable in the
sick room and this display of silence Is
most annoying to the patient. The run
ming about and shouting Of children
through the house and loud talk by the
older folks Is not beneficial to the pa
tient, but the household life should run
on as usual and especially when talking
with the patient a firm clear, but gently
modulated tone should be used. Most an
noying of all is the loud whisper, which
is worse than a loud tone of voice. In
speaking to a person sick in bed sit where
he or she can see you; don't get behind
them and talk over their head Avoid
the common habit of following the doctor
out of the room and holding whispered
conversation, just outside the door. Of
which the patient can hear only the hiss
ing sounds of the whisper, which has
about the same effect on his nerves as
filing a saw. If there is a piano in the
house and the family or any one of It's
members is in the habit of singing and
the patient does not actually object to 1t,
let the music be continued as usual only
do not let 1t be noisy, for It's discontinu-
ance will injuriously affect the patient
and its continuance will be favorable.
since music is no mean therapeutic agent.
According to Marandom de Monytei at
least one-third of the number of drunk
ards are durable, the cure being based
upon forced and prolonged total absti-
nenee which should be instituted at once,
the only reaction from such treatment
being headache and sweating Delirum
tremens does not result from a sudden
cessation of alcohol. An essential ele-
ment of this treatment IS calm surround
ings and discipline which is military IN
character and it is also important that
some harmless drink be substituted for
alcohol to quench thirst and also please
a year and the strength of the patients
resistance should be frequently tested.
When the treatment is concluded the pa
tient should still be watched, and If q
certain trade or profession has been
causative factor of inebriety, or is ac-
companied with great temptation, it
should be abandoned for one less trying
to the will power.
ChIorate of potash Is a popular drug
promiscuously used as remedy for sore
throat. 1t is not a safe drug, however,
used in large quantities as some people
use it, chewing it as If 1t was confec-
tionery Used in this way 1t often leads
| to chronic poisoning and may lead TO
acute symptoms. Used in moderation it
| is of value, especially as an antiseptic
and disinfectant in the mouth and throat,
| but as 1t is highly infiammable and ex-
pioSiVe care should be taken in carrying
| 1t about the person. Cases are on record
| iii which tablets of chlorate of potash
| have been carried loose in the pocket and
| have ignited and exploded causing serious
| injury. In such cases matches have also
! been carried in the same pocket and even
| the composition on the outside Of the box
| of safety matches will ignite the tablets.
| A French medical journal has published
| some interesting. If not reliable data upon
badness which 1t claims affects J2 per
| cent of the male population. In The cases
| of doctors this proportion Is doubled, but
| musicians. with few exceptions. retain
| their hair until late in life. Brass wind
1 Instruments cause badness, the trombone
| especially, being said to remove the play