CATNIP (_Nepeta Cataria_). A deservedly popular, domestic remedy, always acceptable, and certain in its action. The warm infusion is the best form for its administration. It may be drunk freely. GINGER (_Zingiber Officinale_). The hot infusion may be sweetened and drunk as freely as the stomach will bear. DR. PIERCE'S COMPOUND EXTRACT OF SMART-WEED. This is unsurpassed as a diaphoretic agent, and is much more certain in its operation than any simple diaphoretic. DILUENTS. Any fluid which thins the blood or holds medicine in solution is called a diluent. Pure water is the principal agent of this class. It constitutes about four-fifths of the weight of the blood, and is the most abundant constituent of the bodily tissues. Water is necessary, not only for digestion, nutrition, and all functional processes of life, but it is indispensable as a menstruum for medicinal substances. It is a necessary agent in depuration, or the process of purifying the animal economy, for it dissolves and holds in solution deleterious matter, which in this state may be expelled from the body. In fevers, water is necessary to quench the thirst, promote absorption, and incite the skin and kidneys to action. Its temperature may be varied according to requirements. Diluents are the vehicles for introducing medicine into the system. We shall briefly mention some which prove to be very grateful to the sick. VARIOUS VEGETABLE ACIDS AND JELLIES may be dissolved in water, as apple, currant, quince, grape, or cranberry. THE JUICE OF LEMONS, ORANGES, PINE-APPLES, AND TAMARINDS, is also found to be refreshing to fever patients. SASSAFRAS-PITH, SLIPPERY-ELM BARK, FLAX-SEED, AND GUM ARABIC make good mucilaginous drinks for soothing irritation of the bowels and other parts. BREWERS' YEAST mixed with water in the proportion of from one-eighth to one-fourth is a stimulant and antiseptic. THE WHITE ASHES OF HICKORY OR MAPLE WOOD dissolved in water make an excellent alkaline drink in fevers, or whenever the system seems surcharged with acidity. DIURETICS. _Diuretics_ are medicines which, by their action on the kidneys, increase the flow of urine. [Illustration: Fig. 130. Marsh-mallow. ] MARSH-MALLOW (_Althea Officinalis_) is used in irritable conditions of the urinary organs. The infusion may be drunk freely. GRAVEL-PLANT (_Epigea Repens_), is also known as Water-pink, Trailing-arbutus, or Gravel-root. _Dose_--Of decoction of the plant, one to three ounces; of fluid extract, one-fourth to one-half teaspoonful. [Illustration: Fig. 131. Stone-root. ] STONE-ROOT (_Collinsonia Canadensis_), is also known as Knot-root, Horse-balm, Rich-weed, or Ox-balm. This is a mild diuretic, slow in action, yet effective in allaying irritation of the