Science.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 429, 4 August 1904, Page 2

Science.

SCARLATINA AND SO ABLET FEVEB, SKB3KHBY are in reality the Bsme disease, Jkf'lb scarlatina being merely a mild Ujks form of scarlet fever. Sickness and fever are usually the commencement, and often a sore throat as well. The rash, as a rule, appears on the second day. At first email red spots appear, and these spread until the whole skin looks red.

Measles and scarlet fever may be distinguished, as the former commences with symptoms of a cold, and the latter does not. In measles there is a peculiar hoarse cough, and in the fever there is ns cough. In a case of scarlatina or scarlet fever, the child should be at onoe isolated. Put him to bed with warm but light clothing. See that the room is well ventilated, but avoid all draughts. It has been said that fresh air, and plenty of it, in scarlet fever is the best doctor a child can have.

With regard to food, the child should be kept on a diet of milk only» To quench the thirst he may have milk and Bodawater. The food given must be light, and very nourishing. The doctor will prescribe any necessary medicine. The shortest period for isolation is sis ■weeks, and the infection lasts as long as the skin continues to peel. The patient should be kept in bed for three weeks, whether the case is mild or not,

Bemember the scarlet fever is an exceedingly infectious disease, and great care has to be exercised,

IN THE NUBSEEY. Bananas are recommended as a most valuable food for very young children. I Avoid bread and potatoes for babies up till eighteen months, and then give in [ sparing quantities. The daily nap is the greatest service to growing children, and once the habit is formed it can easily be kept up, and the child's health and vigour sustained even in trying weather. It is not good to eat between meals, and mothers should tak« care that they do not let their ohildren fall into the habit, as it is one of the most frequent causes of illhealth in the young. Gas-burners Bhonld never be left lighted after the children are asleep, for gas spoils the air for the sleeper. A night light will give all the light needed to prevent alarm, should the little ones wake and flad they are alone. Ohildren should be taught at an early age how to gargle their throat, CHILBLAINS. An excellent remedy for chilblains is made by mixing together in a small bottle white vinegar, turpentine, and the contents of an egg i n equal portions. Bub this liniment in whenever the irritation comeß on. In an ancient book on household remedies, I read that the skin of a mouse was a sovereign cure for chilblains, but there was no information respiting the mode of application, I believe it was no les3 a person than Budyard Kipling who prescribed the following treatment for 'the hump that is black and blue'; but whether it refers to the state of feeling we deecribe as V, o «blues,' or to the hump that is oau.ei 1/ a chilblain. I am not quite sure. Aiij way, the remsdy can be conscientiously roc. amended in either esse:

'For the cure of the ill, ie not to sit still, Or frowst with a book by the fire j Bnt to take a large hoe, a Bhovol also, And dig till you gently perspire,' .;..