The precautions that must be taken in using hot fomentations, especially if moist, is to have them hot and keep them hot while they are continued. When removed, replace them with dry flannel or bathe the part in tepid water, rub dry and put on the ordinary clothing. The latter is desirable when used in chronic affections. In acute attacks, especially of inflammation, it is well to follow or alternate with a compress from cold water. Don’t use paregoric, Dover’s powders, morphine, or even a homeopathic preparation until you have tried thoroughly the hot fomentation. Remember that when you get relief from an application like this you will not suffer from the poisonous effects of drugs. You rally more quickly, and are not as liable to another attack, for nature has had a better opportunity to throw off diseased conditions. THE COLD COMPRESS is a convenient, safe, desirable and effectual domestic remedy. Like the fomentation, it requires knowledge and skill in its application. Take a worn linen towel, wring dry from _cold_ water, apply to the affected part, then cover well with several thicknesses of flannel, securely excluding the air. Reaction soon follows, warmth ensues, and the same or better result is obtained than from a poultice. It can remain on one or two hours or else all night. Should always be followed with thorough bathing in cold water and friction. _This compress must not be wet in warm water._ In that case it _grows cold and keeps cold_. If wet in cold water, the colder the better, it sends the blood from the surface, and the _reaction causes it to get warm and keep warm_. To make it subserve its purpose these three rules must be observed. 1. Wring from cold water. 2. Wring dry. 3. Cover thoroughly with flannel. The compress should never be continued where warmth and reaction can not be obtained. In persons with a cold surface and a sluggish circulation it is well to precede it for half an hour with a hot fomentation. The compress is beneficial both for acute and chronic inflammations. In sore throats, croup, bronchitis and inflammation of the lungs it is invaluable. Many persons use no other means for croup, wringing the cloth from ice-cold water. In inflammation of the abdominal and pelvic viscera it is equally good. In pregnancy, if there is irritation in the stomach, congestion of the liver, constipation or distress of the bowels, accompanied by heat, the compress in these regions will be beneficial. The heat and dull aching pain in the back, that is so often complained of, is the result of some irritation in the uterus. The compress worn at night or when taking the daily rest, will give great relief. It can simply be put across the back, or may extend entirely around the abdomen. The frequency and length of time continued must depend upon the case. THE FOOT AND LEG BATHS are good derivative appliances. Taken warm they will relieve nervousness, sleeplessness and irritability.