137. _Remarks on its Use._—_a._ The best time for administering the oil is immediately after or, to those who prefer it, during a solid meal. Taken on an empty stomach it is almost sure to nauseate. Patients who can take it at no other time will sometimes retain a dose if given the last thing before going to bed. _b._ For disguising the nauseous taste and preventing subsequent eructations, a good plan is to take a few grains of common salt, both immediately before and after a dose. As a vehicle, a little orange-wine, or solution of quinine, or lime juice, or hot strong coffee without milk, have been advocated by various writers. A little Omum water (317) is perhaps the best vehicle of all. _c._ The bulk of the whole dose of the oil and vehicle together should be so small that it may be swallowed at a single draught; therefore the vehicle should not exceed a table-spoonful, with, at first, a teaspoonful of the oil, to be gradually increased to a table-spoonful. The spoon and glass used for taking it should be kept scrupulously clean, as any oil left adhering to them soon turns rancid. In taking this (as well as all other nauseous drugs) it is advisable to prevent, as far as possible, the tongue from coming in contact with it; to effect this the tongue should be projected on the surface of the glass or spoon, and the fluid thrown down as far back in the throat as can conveniently be done. _d._ The dose, as a general rule, at the commencement is a teaspoonful three times daily, gradually increased as the stomach is able to bear it. It is rarely requisite to exceed a table-spoonful twice or thrice daily; large quantities either derange the stomach and liver, or pass off unabsorbed by the bowels. _e._ The diet during the course of the oil should be plain and nutritious, consisting of bread, fresh meat roast or boiled, poultry, game, &c., with a fair proportion of vegetables, and fruit, and a moderate quantity of liquids. All rich articles of food, as pastry, fat meat, cream, &c., should be avoided. Wine is preferable to beer, the latter often disagreeing. Should a bilious attack come on, the oil should be discontinued, the diet lightened, and an occasional aperient administered. In a few days, when the attack has passed off, the oil may be resumed, beginning with the small doses as at the first. In all cases during the use of the oil, the bowels should be kept regular, if necessary, by mild aperients. _f._ During its use the patient should be as much as possible in the open air, and take gentle exercise.