Recovery.—­The mortality in lockjaw cases runs about eight per cent.  Sometimes death is caused by exhaustion from the muscular exertions; the patient is seldom able to sleep and sometimes wears out in a few days.  Sometimes suffocation brings a sudden end to his sufferings and usually one or two days to ten or twelve days is the limit.  Among the lower classes where sanitary science is seldom observed, and even among the better classes, lockjaw has been known to occur in infants.  It usually comes on, in ten to fifteen days after birth, and the child seldom lives more than a few days, It is hard to account for such cases which may come on suddenly from the slightest excitement such as sudden noises, etc.

Mothers’ remedies.—­l.  Lockjaw, Successful Remedy for.—­“A very good and successful remedy for this disease, is to apply a warm poultice of flaxseed meal, saturated with laudanum and sugar of lead water, to the jaws and neck.”

2.  Lockjaw, Smoke as a Cure for.—­“Smoke the wound for twenty minutes in the smoke of burnt woolen cloths.  This is considered a never failing remedy.”

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Physicians’ treatment.—­If from a wound cut open and use antiseptics.  Isolate the patient and have absolute quiet.  Antitoxin is used with success in some cases of lockjaw, but this and other remedies or measures must be handled by a physician, Opium is sometimes given and stimulants such as brandy, whisky, etc.  As it is a case of life or death in a very short time, we cannot advise depending upon home treatment.  A preventive caution that must always be observed is the use of antiseptics and the strictest care of all injuries and wounds that might result in lockjaw.  This is a disease where an ounce of prevention is worth a thousand pounds of cure, because by the time the disease is recognized as lockjaw and has really made an appearance, it may be too late for medical skill.  While you are waiting for the doctor you may apply cold cloths or even an ice bag to the spine.  If the spasms are severe let the patient inhale chloroform to kill the pain and quiet him.  In the meantime secure the best physician within your reach, and follow his directions carefully, be calm and self-possessed when in the presence of the patient, for you must remember that he has full possession of his mental faculties and will notice every evidence of fear or worry in the faces of those who are nursing him.  This will only add to his sufferings, affect his nervous system and undermine his general vitality.  Read carefully the nursing department in this book and you will gain some valuable hints and knowledge regarding the sick room.

Glanders.—­This is an acute disease of the horse and occasionally of man.  It is called “glanders” when the affection appears in the nostrils, and is called “farcy” when in the skin.

Causes.—­The bacilli is usually introduced from infected horses through the nose, mouth and cheek, mucous membranes or skin abrasions (rubbing off of the skin).  There are large or small lumps in the skin, mucous membrane of the nose and mouth.