and casts a gloom over the whole face of nature, as it is impossible that we should take delight in anything that we are every moment afraid of losing. "One of the best methods of avoiding that pitiful anxiety is to learn within what limits we may safely indulge our desire for change, and then freely indulge it within them." CHAPTER II. We shall now take up a practical list of subjects, arranged in alphabetical order. Without any attempt at egotism, we claim that there are few nontechnical books extant that contain a superior selection of preventatives and remedies. Read carefully and judge for yourself. There are very few common or occasional afflictions which are not considered to some extent. Why always seek a doctor when you seem to be somewhat off your physical equilibrium? You will generally at each visit spend more money than this book will cost. Learn to provide against constant medical attention. =Accidents.=--In sudden emergencies, either of accident or sickness, the first great requisite is presence of mind. Be calm. Endeavor, if possible, to grasp the situation, and do what is to be done promptly and quietly, until the arrival of the physician. All hurried and distracted motions, and all exciting noises, confuse the attendants and needlessly alarm the sufferer. In many cases, the course of immediate action is suggested by the circumstances; but where you do not know what aid to render, it is best to do nothing, except to make the patient as comfortable, for the time being, as possible. For all ordinary emergencies, ample directions are:-- "1. Always look in the direction in which you are moving. "2. Never leave a car, or other public vehicle, when it is in motion. "3. Never put your head or arms out of a vehicle when it is in motion. "4. If a horse runs away with you, remain in the vehicle rather than risk the danger of jumping from it. "5. In thunder-storms keep away from trees, metallic substances, doors, and windows. The lower part of a house is the safer. "6. Never play with fire-arms. Always keep them beyond the reach of children. "7. Avoid charcoal fumes; they are deadly when confined in a close room. "8. Illuminating gas; be sure to turn it off. _Never blow it out._ "9. When gas can be smelt in an apartment always air the room well before striking a match or bringing a light. "10. When very cold, move quickly. If any part of the body is frozen, rub it with snow, and keep from the fire. "11. Change wet clothing as soon as possible. "12. Carefully avoid exposure to night air, in malarial districts. "13. If necessary to go into an old vault or well, first introduce a burning candle. If the light burns low and finally goes out, carbonic acid gas is present and the place is unsafe to enter. Unslaked lime will absorb the gas and purify the air. "14. Avoid walking on railroad tracks and icy sidewalks. "15. When awake, very young children should never be left alone.