72. _A child is subject to a slight cough during dentition--called by nurses "tooth-cough"--which a parent would not consider of sufficient importance to consult a doctor about: pray tell me, is there any objection to a mother giving her child a small quantity either of syrup of white poppies, or of paregoric, to ease it_? A cough is an effort of nature to bring up any secretion from the lining membrane of the lungs, or from the bronchial tubes, hence it ought not to be interfered with. I have known the administration of syrup of white poppies, or of paregoric, to stop the cough, and thereby to prevent the expulsion of the phlegm, and thus to produce either inflammation of the lungs, or bronchitis. Moreover, both paregoric and syrup of white poppies are, for a young child, dangerous medicines (unless administered by a judicious medical man), and _ought never to be given by a mother_. In the month of April 1844, I was sent for, in great haste, to an infant, aged seventeen months, who was labouring under convulsions and extreme drowsiness, from the injudicious administration of paregoric, which had been given to him to ease a cough. By the prompt administration of an emetic he was saved. 73. _A child, who is teething, is subject to a "breaking-out," more especially behind the ears--which is most disfiguring, and frequently very annoying what would you recommend_? I would apply no external application to cure it, as I should look upon it as an effort of the constitution to relieve itself, and should expect, if the "breaking-out" were repelled, that either convulsions, or bronchitis, or inflammation of the lungs, or water on the brain, would be the consequence. The only plan I should adopt would be, to be more careful in his diet, to give him less meat (if he be old enough to eat animal food), and to give him, once or twice a week, a few doses of mild aperient medicine, and, if the irritation from the "breaking-out" be great, to bathe it, occasionally, either with a little warm milk and water, or with rose water. EXERCISE. 74. _Do you recommend exercise in the open air for a baby? and if so, how soon after birth_? I am a great advocate for his having exercise in the open air. "The infant in arms makes known its desire for fresh air, by restlessness, it cries, for it cannot speak its wants, is taken abroad and is quiet."