PURE AIR IN THE SICK ROOM.
THERE is nothing more essential than pure air at all times, both to the well and to the sick; but especially to the sick, as they need all the vitalizing power which can possibly be brought to their aid. But there is nothing more difficult than to properly ventilate a sick-room. In most houses it is impossible to ventilate properly, but every effort should be put forth to give the patient pure, fresh air. Happily, the old-time fear of air and water in sickness is measurably passing away, and blanketing the doors and windows (as we have seen done) for fear a breath of air should enter the room, is not very often seen now. And it is difficult—almost impossible—for those who are constantly in the room to judge of the condition of the air. A person may not feel any inconvenience, and may therefore think the air is good and pure when it is very foul and impure. In most cases it may be tested by going out into the open air a few minutes, and then entering the room and noting the difference. If the air is foul it can generally be perceived. Of course the difference of temperature must be taken into account. If the room of the sick can not be ventilated directly from outdoors, without exposing to a draught, then adjoining rooms should be often and thoroughly ventilated, and when the outside doors are closed, then open the doors between the rooms. It seems almost unnecessary to say that smoking tobacco should not be permitted in the house where there is a sick person. It is not sufficient that there be no smoking in the sick room. If permitted in another room in the house, it will fill the sick-room when the door is opened.—Pacific Health Journal.