_How and What to Observe in the Care of Patients._--It is important that attendants should early learn habits of close observation. The exercise of the habit increases the ability to observe, and one soon comes to see and know things he never saw, or thought of before. It is necessary to learn first the physical condition, mental symptoms, and habits of a patient, before we are able to observe and appreciate any change. Observation, to be of value, should be systematically made, and only one thing at a time can be noticed, which must be understood before passing to another, otherwise every thing is confused. The condition and appearance of a single part should be looked at to see what is natural, and what is evidence of disease. In practice, written notes taken at the time, are extremely valuable in teaching close and accurate observation, and cultivating an ability to clearly express to others the result. For the purpose of suggestion and guidance, the following system for observation is given: Observe the effect of medicine. The face.--Observe if it is pale, and if the pallor is sudden, temporary or permanent; if flushed, if congested, if blue with venous blood, if there are any eruptions, bruises, or scars. Observe the expression of the face. The tongue.--Observe if it is coated, and if so, if white, brown, red, black, glazed, dry, or cracked; if it is tremulous, or drawn to one side, or protruded with difficulty. The lips.--Observe if pale, blue, dry and cracked, if there is tremulousness about the corners of the mouth; the teeth, if covered with sordes; the gums, if bleeding. The breath.--Observe if sweet, sour, foul, or offensive. The respiration.--Observe if slow or fast, quiet and natural, or loud, labored, and difficult, if puffing, wheezing, shallow, or irregular. The eyes.--Observe if congested, the color, if any blindness; the pupils, if contracted, dilated, irregular, unequal, or if they respond readily to light. If there is cough, observe if moist or dry, if croupy, if with pain, or if prolonged. If any expectoration, observe if it is bloody or streaked with blood, if thin and frothy, thick and purulent, or if it sticks to the cup. The pulse.--Observe if it is slow or rapid, full, weak and thin, if irregular or intermitting. Count it. The temperature.--Observe by the hand or thermometer. The body.--Observe for eruptions of the skin, for sores, bruises, or deformities, or if there is any paralysis. The appetite.--Observe if it is poor, changeable, if food is relished or disliked; if refused, if it is constantly or occasionally, and if from delusions or indifference; if there is overeating and gluttony, if food is bolted, or chewed, or if the patient has teeth to eat with.