cold water from the birth. Where that method is practised this complaint seldom occurs: though it may sometimes happen by exposing it soon after birth to a strong light, or placing it too near the fire. In both cases the most simple applications are the safest ; and frequent washing with milk and water, or rose water, will in general remove all the disagreeable effects of this disorder."

Vomiting.

THERE are many opinions with respect to infant's throwing up their milk. Physicians generally suppose it a symptom of too great acidity in the stomach; but for my part, when it is done without any appearance of nausea, I regard it rather as an indication of strength than otherwise: and as a kindly exertion of nature to free herself from any superfluous quantity received into the stomach. I am inclined to think it not a disease, from several reasons: in the first place, it is generally observed to be the most thriving children who do it, and

those who are nourished from a very full breast of milk. It is also a fact, that infants most generally throw up their milk while in the act of playing and springing with every appearance of glee; which would not be the case if they felt sick. Indeed, this has always been the criterion by which I have been accustomed to judge if the vomiting proceeded from illness, or was only the effect of repletion. If my babe at the moment hangs its head, looks uncommonly pale, or by affecting moans shows evident indisposition, I immediately conclude its stomach out of order, and treat the complaint accordingly; but otherwise I always regard it rather as an indication of health and strength than of disease. However, whenever, from the symptoms above related, I have had reason to think the vomiting proceeded from acidity in the stomach, I have ever found magnesia an effectual remedy; or if that should fail, it is probable the complaint proceeds from something offensive in the first passage, and a gentle emetic of ipecacuan may be given: three grains, or half a tea-spoonful of the ipecacuan is generally

sufficient for children of this age; and if that should fail to remove the complaint, a weak infusion of senna and manna may be exhi bited until it produces a gentle operation; a table-spoonful may be given every two hours until it operates. After this the magnesia, or any of the testaceous powders may be repeated a few times, and will rarely fail of having the desired effect.

Convulsions.

ALTHOUGH this cannot be termed a slight or common complaint, yet as no disorder that ever attacked my family gave me such acute distress, or so totally overpow ered my faculties, I cannot resist the desire of giving some account of it, together with the most approved method of treatment; lest some fond mother, while her heart throbs with agony for a beloved child, should find it impossible to obtain medical aid immediately, and may take up my book with the eager hope of finding the directions she requires. I recollect with what anxiety

I sought for information when my child was so unexpectedly seized with these fits, and cannot think any further apology necessary for transcribing copiously from Dr. Underwood relative to the usual causes and remedies; leaving the reader to consult that learned author for more particular information as to the various kinds of convulsions, if she should be so unfortunate as to have occasion so to do.

"If it may be accounted a fair rule of judging from the result of my own experience, both in hospital and private practice, convulsions ought not to be reckoned amongst the most frequent disorders, and are certainly far from the most fatal to infants; perhaps as many as nineteen cases out of twenty having their appropriate and almost certain remedies.

"Such original cause may be a rash improperly repelled, but the source of fits is much oftener in the gums, in the time of teething; or in the first passages, where some undigested matter, or merely pent up wind, irritates the coats of the intestines, and produces irregular motions throughout

the whole nervous system. Instances of this kind have been related of children who

during the first months have had frequent attacks of violent convulsions, which have disappeared entirely upon the prohibition of meal pap. Indeed, too much caution can scarcely be given on this head, thick victuals being a more frequent occasion of convulsions in young children than is commonly imagined. Any offensive load, whether from too great a quantity or bad quality of the food, by occasioning a faulty secretion, must act like a poison; and that the convulsions are owing to this cause may often be known by the complaints that have preceded them, such as loathing, costiveness, purging, pale countenance, large belly, and disturbed sleep.-Every young infant is however more or less predisposed to this complaint; and the disposition continues throughout childhood, in a proportion to the tender age and delicacy of the habit. The younger and more irritable, therefore, an infant may be, it will be so much the more liable to convulsions, especially from any considerable disturbance in the first