_Take oatmeal, two spoonfuls; malt, one spoonful; cinamon, two drachmes. Boil it in two quarts of water for some time, till when it is strained, it becomes one quart; put to it fine sugar, six ounces; a few drops of essential oil of peppermint, and a tea cupful of good wine._ These clysters are perfectly safe, and very nourishing. Some have added salt to the animal broth, perhaps through a notion to make it the more palatable, and so of course more nourishing; but probably they forget that the part they are now about to feed, differs widely from the depraved taste of the palate. Salt is stimulating; besides, it indurates the aliment, that it never yields so much nourishment, because it always opposes assimulation; and it is universally known, that salt victuals is by far, less nourishing than fresh. The quincey is sometimes so desperate, as to strangle the afflicted patient, particularly if assistance is given too late; in so much that _bronchotomy_, or opening the wind-pipe, has been the last resource in this deplorable dilemma. I have mentioned this operation, in the third lecture, and have only to observe, that in this case little hope is left after that operation, on account of the great inflammation of the parts; though we have instances of its success. If however the method which I have here laid down, together with strict observance of managing fevers is duly observed, there can scarce be a failure of success; for if I may be allowed to judge from my own experience and success, it is merely neglect, in the first setting out of these diseases, that for the most part, renders them so very desperate and mortal. ------------------------------------------- SECT. III. _Of Diseases in the Breast_ Under this head, I mean principally to treat of diseases of the wind-pipe, the lungs, and the pleura, or membrane that lines the cavity of the breast, and encompasses the lungs. _Of the Cough._ A Cough is generally occasioned by a cold; unless it is symptomatic with other inflammatory diseases, or the relict of a heavy sickness; in which case, it is either near a-kin to, or else the consumption itself. If from a cold, it seldom is deep founded, and generally has its seat in the larynx, or in the wind-pipe; though indeed sometimes in the lungs. It generally begins first with a tickling in the throat, and occasions a short dry cough; which gradually becomes strong, and is attended with a discharge.