{609}
CHAMBERS’S JOURNAL
OF
POPULAR
LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART.
CONTENTS
HOME-NURSING.
BY MEAD AND STREAM.
A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE NOT DANGEROUS.
THE LAST OF THE STUARTS.
THE MONTH: SCIENCE AND ARTS.
OCCASIONAL NOTES.
‘YES.’
No. 39.—Vol. I.
Price 1½d.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1884.
HOME-NURSING.
BY A LADY.
THIRD ARTICLE.
In our last paper we spoke of the choice of asick-room; we shall now proceed to discuss itsmanagement. In commencing to nurse a casethat promises to be anything like lengthy, it iswell to consider how to save unnecessary dustand unnecessary labour, whilst keeping the roomin its proper state of cleanliness. With this endin view, heavy woollen draperies, retaining dustand bad smells, should be avoided; and if curtainsare used at all, they should be of lace, orsome light, washing material. The best chairs arethose with simple wooden frames and cane seatsand backs. Should a sofa be necessary, and aregular invalid couch not procurable, nothingis better than a chair-bed—provided it does notcreak—fitted with washing-covers to its cushions.Much has been said for and against the use ofcarpets in a sick-room; and taking all into consideration,we see no reason for changing ouropinion that, in ordinary cases, it is better tolet them remain; they make a room pleasanterand more natural, and do away with the noiseof scrubbing, incidental to a boarded floor.
If there are cupboards, they should be cleanedout before beginning to nurse, and in no casemust they be used as receptacles for food orfor anything that has become soiled in using.A chest of drawers is a comfort if used withdiscretion; but in home-nursing, it often provesthe reverse of useful, and serves as a treasuryfor all sorts of things which have no businessin a sick-room.
Pictures have a brightening effect, but theymust hang straight, or your patient may worryhimself with endless efforts to make them fitin with the pattern of the paper; though, ifpossible, the paper should be without thosedecided markings which so often add to the distressof unduly sensitive nerves.
Growing-plants have a cheerful look, and arenot deleterious, as many suppose; cut flowersmay also be indulged in, with the exception ofthose which have a heavy, sickly smell; but itis better to remove them at night. In summer,it is necessary to take precaution against thepatient’s being disturbed by the buzz of insects;a fly-catcher at the open win