Iuka Reporter

Amateur Nursing.

Blessed indeed is that household that knows not sickness and requires no nursing; but this is a blessing that in the natural course of events cannot continue. There are many women, excellent housekeepers in other respects, who know nothing about nursing or caring for the sick. Trained nurses are not always desirable, even when they can be afforded, and so we call attention to the fact that in this day of practical training some knowledge of nursing should be a part of every girl's education. In acquiring knowledge that will be of value in the sick room, it is not necessary that anatomy, physiology and materia medica should be studied, though it will be conceded that some knowledge of these subjects may be of great use. The care of the sick, particularly when they are weak or petulant is in itself a most valuable art, and one which some have naturally, but which all can acquire. What can the sick eat, how should it be prepared, and how served? are questions of the greatest importance, for cooking for the sick is an entirely different thing from preparing food for the robust. It is not necessary to take a course in a training-school for nurses to acquire knowledge that will be of great use in this work. There are many books published on the subject, and these with sympathetic devotion will furnish all the information necessary.