SPRAINS.—­The portions most frequently implicated are the wrist and ankle; no matter which portion it may be, however, rest and quietness is a very important part of the treatment, and, when possible, in an elevated position.  If the wrist is sprained it should be carried in a sling; if the ankle, it should be supported on a couch or stool.  Cold lotions (see Bruises) should be freely applied, and irrigation by pouring water from a pitcher or tea-kettle resorted to several times a day to prevent inflammation.  Later, frictions with opodeldoc, or with some stimulating liniment, and supporting the parts by pressure made with a flannel roller, or laced stocking when the ankle is involved, will be useful to restore tone; or strips of adhesive plaster properly applied will be useful for the same purpose.  Recovery from severe sprains is always tedious.  It is an old saying “that a bad sprain is worse than a broken bone.”

STINGS OF BEES AND WASPS.—­See Bites and Stings.

SUFFOCATION FROM NOXIOUS GASES, FOUL AIR, FIRE DAMP, ETC.—­Remove to fresh air and dash cold water over the head, neck and chest; carefully apply hartshorn, or smelling salts to the nostrils, and when the breathing is feeble or has ceased, resort immediately to artificial respiration (see Asphyxia and Drowning).  Keep up the warmth of the body, and as soon as the patient can swallow give stimulants in small quantities.

SUNSTROKE.—­This is caused by long exposure in great heat, especially when accompanied with great fatigue and exhaustion.  Though generally happening from exposure to the sun’s rays, yet precisely similar effects may be and are produced from any undue exposure to great and exhaustive heat, such as workmen are exposed to in foundries, gas factories, bakeries, and other similar employments.  Its first symptom is pain in the head and dizziness, quickly followed by loss of consciousness, and resulting in complete prostration:  sometimes, however, the attack is sudden, as in apoplexy.  The head is generally burning hot, the face, dark and swollen, the breathing labored and snoring, and the feet and hands cold.  Remove the patient at once to a cool and shady place, and lay him down with his head a little raised; apply ice or iced water to the head and face; loosen all cloths around the neck or waist; bathe the chest with cold water, apply mustard plasters, or cloths wetted with turpentine, to the calves and soles of the feet, and as soon as the patient can swallow, give weak brandy or whisky and water.

     There is no easy road to success—­I Thank God for it . . . . 
     A trained man will make his life tall.  Without training, you
     are left on a sea of luck, where thousands go down, while one
     meets with success. 
                                             JAMES A. GARFIELD.

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[Illustration:  THE FAMILY PHYSICIAN]

THE FAMILY PHYSICIAN