Of external applications all that need be said is this, that if they are not violently stimulating they do no harm; if, however, they contain tartar emetic, in addition to their doing no good to the disease, they cause unnecessary suffering to the patient, and are sometimes productive of dangerous and even fatal sores. Sect. IX.--CROUP. This disease is one of the most formidable of childhood; sudden (generally) in its attacks, most active in its progress, and if not met by a prompt and decided treatment, fatal in its termination. Hence the paramount importance of parents being acquainted with the signs which indicate its approach, that medical aid may be secured at the very onset of the disease. Upon this early application of suitable remedies every thing depends. SIGNS OF ITS APPROACH.--Croup may appear in one of two ways: either preceded for two or three days by the symptoms of a common cold, accompanied with hoarseness and a rough cough; or it may attack with the most alarming suddenness, during the night for instance, although the child had been merry and well the previous evening. Hoarseness, however, is the premonitory and important symptom of croup; for although it is not every hoarseness that is followed by this formidable malady, still this symptom rarely attends a common cold in young children, and therefore always deserves when present the serious attention of the mother, particularly if accompanied by a rough cough. The symptoms or signs of the approach of this disease have been ably and graphically depicted by the late Dr. Cheyne,