Under this head directions will be given for the domestic management of some of the more frequent ailments to which families are subject. Book-doctoring is a very doubtful economy, except where it is made the means of enabling the nurse or the mother to co-operate intelligently with the medical adviser. But there are cases, as among emigrants, or persons residing in remote places in the country, in which medical aid cannot readily be obtained. In such cases, the following papers will be found of great value. A number of specific remedies for various minor ailments will be found appended to the Medical Articles. HOOPING-COUGH. Hooping-cough is thought to have been introduced into Europe from Africa, and, like most other complaints, varies much in intensity. It is a highly infectious disease, and grown persons are liable to its influence; but it commonly takes place between the ages of four months and twelve years. It usually begins as a common cough, and is attended with the general symptoms of having taken cold; but in its progress, soon becomes more severe; though, the longer it is discoverable by the hoop, the more favourable it is likely to be. A frequent discharge from the mouth, nose, and eyes, food often rejected, together with large quantities of phlegm, after which the child generally appears pretty well, and eats his food heartily—these are the most common symptoms. When the disease is violent, they become greatly aggravated, especially during the night, and the child will appear almost strangled, becoming livid, and blood often starting from the nose and eyes. The following is a favourite prescription of the late Mr. Tuckwell, of Oxford, who, for skill in his profession, courtesy of manners, and kindness of heart, has had few equals, and who has left in that University an almost imperishable memory:— Dissolve one scruple of salt of tartar, in a quarter of a pint of soft water: add to it ten grains of cochineal finely powdered, and sweeten it with lump sugar. This medicine is also highly recommended in the _Lancet_. The dose for an infant is a tea-spoonful four times a day; from five years old upwards, a table-spoonful may be taken: but as the paroxysms of this complaint are much aggravated by the resistance of the child to swallow medicine, it is very desirable to abstain, if possible, from giving any internal remedy. The following embrocation was prescribed by a gentleman, one of the leading practitioners in Oxford; and for spasmodic coughs of all kinds, as well as for inflammatory croup, it is invaluable:— Two drachms of Tincture of Opium. Two ounces of Camphor Liniment. A tea-spoonful to be rubbed in over the throat and chest every night and morning, and cover the parts immediately with flannel. If the chest is loaded with phlegm, an emetic must be given once, twice, or three times a week, as required. Ipecacuanha wine is most suitable, and the dose for a child of four or five years is 2½ or 3 drachms.