first symptoms of disease may be early detected by the parent. The
subject has been felt to be a difficult one, and to give particular
directions quite out of the question; but it is hoped that the
suggestions thrown out will, in some measure, answer the purpose
intended. On the advantage of an early and prompt application of
remedies in the diseases of childhood, generally so active in their
progress and severe in their character, it is unnecessary to offer any
observation.

The latter part of the work, consisting of the maternal management of
disease, the author regards as a subject of high and serious moment.
Small as is the attention which has been hitherto paid to it, yet, in
the diseases of infancy and childhood, how invaluable is a careful and
judicious maternal superintendence to give effect to the measures
prescribed by the physician.

The author has endeavoured to arrange the contents of the work in a
manner which shall be most easily understood and readily available; and
he now publishes it with the desire to supply, in some degree, a
deficiency in this important department of knowledge.



Finsbury Place, June, 1840.





CONTENTS.