The premonitory symptoms requiring special attention, when the epidemic cholera is prevailing, are definitely presented in Chap. II., Sec. 2, page 56, to which special reference is made. Whenever any of these do occur, though generally supposed to present no particular characteristic of the cholera, they should, however, receive prompt attention. The loss of animation, the depression of nerve-power, the pain in the forehead and slight vertigo, the nervous agitation and oppression at the chest, with slight nausea, may in most instances be promptly removed. They should be at once patiently and perseveringly treated by the use of camphor water, prepared as follows: Take spirits of camphor, one tea-spoonful, and put it into a half-pint of cold water, and give of the mixture two tea-spoonfuls every half-hour, hour, or two hours, according to the severity of the symptoms. A strong decoction, or tea of horsemint (monarda punctata), is an excellent remedy even in this early stage. The essence of monarda, or horsemint, in doses of eight or ten drops in a little water, and repeated every hour or two, will often give prompt relief. Where the horsemint cannot be obtained, the spearmint, and the peppermint also, may prove serviceable. Keith's concentrated Tincture of Veratrum Viride is also an excellent remedy in these premonitory symptoms. Put three or four drops into a tumblerful of cold water, and give of the mixture a tea-spoonful every hour or two hours, as occasion may require. This may be alternated with the essence, or tea of horsemint. But another more general symptom, which may be properly termed the incipient stage of the disease, is the slight diarrhoea, usually termed painless, though it is by no means always so, but frequently the very reverse, severe and painful. This at first may be slight, but gradually increasing, soon becomes obstinate, painful, and exceedingly difficult to control. It therefore should receive attention at its very commencement, for it is in reality the stealthy invasion of the citadel--it is the cholera. The loss of life becomes imminent; treatment becomes indispensable; send at once for your physician. And, in the meantime, continue the camphor mixture, the horsemint tea, and give of the fluid extract of rhubarb and potassa, prepared according to the formula in the American Dispensatory, one or two tea-spoonfuls every hour, and, if necessary, add four or five drops of laudanum, or its equivalent in paregoric, to each dose, till relieved. In this early stage, opium in small doses may be given four or five times, but should not be continued. These remedies, properly administered, will control the great majority of cases.