Case II.

G. B., the brother of the above, a handsome boy, with light hair, fine blue eyes,—­indeed, very much like his little sister,—­in the year 1836, had enlargements of the glands in his neck, which were relieved by the treatment resorted to.

In April, 1839, being then eight years old, he was observed by his mother to limp slightly in walking, but complained of little or no pain.  From the caution, however, which had been given to the parent at the time I was consulted about the previous case, to notice at an early period any symptom of this nature in her children, the fact was immediately attended to.  The affection was evidently in the hip; there was imperfection in the gait, and pain upon pressing over the joint.  A blister was applied, perfect rest to the limb enjoined, and steel medicines ordered; and in a fortnight the motions of the joint were restrained more effectually by the application of strips of soap plaster and a bandage.  In three months the child was ordered to the sea-side, and eventually was able to walk without the slightest limp or pain, and may be said to be quite well.

I would not say that in the first case, if the disease had been discovered early, and at that time met by judicious medical treatment, a stiff knee and shortened limb would have been prevented, although this is my belief; but in reference to the latter case, I have no hesitation in saying, that without the disease had been early detected by the mother, and as promptly attended to by her, the remedial measures might have failed,—­certainly the result would not have been so highly satisfactory as it was.

Chap.  V.

ON WHAT CONSTITUTES THE MATERNAL MANAGEMENT OF THE DISEASES OF CHILDREN.

The especial province of the mother is the prevention of disease, not its cure.  To the establishment and carrying out of this principle, every word contained in the preceding pages has directly or indirectly tended.

This, however, is not all.  When disease attacks the child, the mother has then a part to perform, which it is especially important during the epochs of infancy and childhood should be done well.  I refer to those duties which constitute the maternal part of the management of disease.

Medical treatment, for its successful issue, is greatly dependent upon a careful, pains-taking, and judicious maternal superintendence.  No medical treatment can avail at any time, if directions be only partially carried out, or be negligently attended to; and will most assuredly fail altogether, if counteracted by the erroneous prejudices of ignorant attendants.  But to the affections of infancy and childhood, this remark applies with great force; since, at this period, disease is generally so sudden in its assaults, and rapid in its progress, that unless the measures prescribed are rigidly and promptly administered, their exhibition is soon rendered altogether fruitless.