We explain these two actions, the one of body on mind, and the other of
mind on body, so that care may be taken, on both sides, of the complex
nature we possess. If this is done, there will be little chance of
memory failing.
Mind in Disease.--Often a person, because of physical failure, becomes
possessed of an utterly erroneous _idea_, which no reasoning can change
or remove. Indeed, reasoning in such cases is best avoided. Attention
should rather be directed to the physical cause of the mental state,
with a view to its removal. Very probably you will find there is want
of sleep, with a dry hard state of the skin of the head, and too high
an internal temperature. You may then work wonders by soaping the head
(_see_ Head, Soaping). The back also should be soaped similarly. If too
great a cooling effect is produced by this, wipe off the soap and rub
hot olive oil on the back instead. If this is not sufficient, rub the
limbs also with the hot oil. We have seen the most pronounced insanity
yield to this treatment, where the cause has been _physical_ and not
mental. The secret of success is in so balancing the heat and cooling
applications that the utmost possible soothing can be given without any
chill.
Miscarriage.--An expectant mother should lead a quiet, orderly and
healthful life (_see_ Child-birth). By this we do not mean laziness nor
idleness, nor treating herself as an invalid. On the contrary, plenty
of work, both physical and mental, and regular exercise are most
beneficial, but care should be taken that work should not go the length
of over-fatigue, and excitement, worry and anxiety should be carefully
guarded against. The round of parties and other social functions into
which many brides are drawn, frequently becomes the cause of
miscarriage and other troubles. Any excitement, mental or physical, is
most injurious, and the husband and wife who sacrifice present
enjoyment will be richly repaid afterwards in the greater vigor and
healthiness of the child; while those who live for the present will
often have bitter regrets of what might have been.
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