Thirdly, undue excitation of any physical function is followed by a corresponding depression, on the simple principle that action and reaction are equal; and the balance of health turns too easily to be wilfully disturbed.  Stimulation is a draft upon vital capital, when interest alone should suffice:  it may be needed at times to bridge a chasm; but habitual living beyond vital income infallibly entails bankruptcy in health.  The use of alcohol in health seems practically restricted to purposes of sensuous gratification on the part of those prepared to pay a round price for this luxury.  The three golden rules here are,—­Never drink before breakfast; never drink alone; and never drink bad liquor.  Their observance may make even the abuse of alcohol tolerable.  Serious objections, for a naturalist at least, are that science, viewed through a glass, seems distant and uncertain, while the joys of rum are immediate and unquestionable; and that intemperance, being an attempt to defy certain physical laws, is therefore eminently unscientific.

* * * * *

Besides the above good advice by Dr. Coues, the following may prove useful to the camper:—­

Diarrhoea may result from overwork and gluttony combined, and from eating indigestible or uncooked food, and from imperfect protection of the stomach.  “Remove the cause, and the effect will cease.”  A flannel bandage six to twelve inches wide, worn around the stomach, is good as a preventive and cure.

The same causes may produce cholera morbus; symptoms, violent vomiting and purging, faintness, and spasms in the arms and limbs.  Unless accompanied with cramp (which is not usual), nature will work its own cure.  Give warm drinks if you have them.  Do not get frightened, but keep the patient warm, and well protected from a draught of air.

The liability to costiveness, and the remedies therefor, are noted on p. 55 of this book.

A very rare occurrence, but a constant dread with some people, is an insect crawling into the ear.  If you have oil, spirits of turpentine, or alcoholic liquor at hand, fill the ear at once.  If you have not these, use coffee, tea, warm water (not too hot), or almost any liquid which is not hurtful to the skin.

MARSHALL HALL’S READY METHOD IN SUFFOCATION, DROWNING, ETC.

1st, Treat the patient instantly on the spot, in the open air, freely exposing the face, neck, and chest to the breeze, except in severe weather.

2d, In order to clear the throat, place the patient gently on the face, with one wrist under the forehead, that all fluid, and the tongue itself, may fall forward, and leave the entrance into the windpipe free.

3d, To excite respiration, turn the patient slightly on his side, and apply some irritating or stimulating agent to the nostrils, as veratrine, dilute ammonia, &c.