A STROKE OF LIGHTNING may cause immediate death by its effects on the nervous system. Sometimes it produces unconsciousness without being fatal. In attempting resuscitation employ artificial respiration, and if there are any signs of life treat as directed for shock. If there are burns complicating the case, of course the burns must be treated. When there is SHOCK the patient lies in an apoplectic state, the surface pale; there is faintness, trembling, cold perspiration, low temperature, feeble pulse, and probably nausea and vomiting. Keep the patient’s head low, give aromatic ammonia, and apply heat to the extremities and to the stomach. Strong beef tea should be given, and hot tea and coffee. There are but few exigencies that generally occasion more alarm than CONVULSIONS. Fits may come on without premonitory symptoms; there is sudden loss of consciousness, accompanied by irregular and powerful contractions of the muscles. All the voluntary muscles may be affected, or there may be only spasm of the features, or of one side, or of a single limb. During a general paroxysm the countenance is distorted, and the face pallid or livid; generally there is stertorous breathing, and as the attack subsides a disposition to sleep. It is seldom fatal in adults, unless caused by brain or kidney disease. Do not attempt too much treatment, but you may put the patient in such a condition as to help his recovery. His dress is to be loosened, and all clothing about his neck removed; place him where he can breathe pure and cool air, and you may prevent his falling out of bed; if the face is flushed, cold may be applied to the head and warmth and sinapisms to the extremities. If occurring in a young child you may give a warm bath, or a warm hip bath. If there is ability to swallow, give bromide of potassium, either alone or simultaneously with the administration of chloroform and ether. GIVING ANESTHETICS. If you give chloroform you may pour a few drops on a handkerchief and hold it an inch from the patient’s nose and lips. Ether and chloroform together may be poured, a teaspoonful at a time on a little cotton inside a cone of paper made large enough to fit over the mouth and nose, the air being nearly shut out. The head of the patient must be kept low while he is under the influence of it. Observe the pulse while giving it; a feeble pulse is a sign of danger, and if the pulse is growing weak, or the face is growing livid or pale, stop giving the chloroform; if the symptoms continue, and there is no natural respiration, draw the tongue forward so that it will not obstruct the trachea; have plenty of fresh air; apply friction by rubbing the limbs, and if necessary artificial respiration. CLOTHES ON FIRE.