Any fluid which thins the blood or holds medicine in solution is called
a diluent. Pure water is the principal agent of this class. It
constitutes about four-fifths of the weight of the blood, and is the
most abundant constituent of the bodily tissues. Water is necessary, not
only for digestion, nutrition, and all functional processes of life, but
it is indispensable as a menstruum for medicinal substances. It is a
necessary agent in depuration, or the process of purifying the animal
economy, for it dissolves and holds in solution deleterious matter,
which in this state may be expelled from the body. In fevers, water is
necessary to quench the thirst, promote absorption, and incite the skin
and kidneys to action. Its temperature may be varied according to
requirements. Diluents are the vehicles for introducing medicine into
the system. We shall briefly mention some which prove to be very
grateful to the sick.

VARIOUS VEGETABLE ACIDS AND JELLIES may be dissolved in water, as apple,
currant, quince, grape, or cranberry.

THE JUICE OF LEMONS, ORANGES, PINE-APPLES, AND TAMARINDS, is also found
to be refreshing to fever patients.

SASSAFRAS-PITH, SLIPPERY-ELM BARK, FLAX-SEED, AND GUM ARABIC make good
mucilaginous drinks for soothing irritation of the bowels and other
parts.

BREWERS' YEAST mixed with water in the proportion of from one-eighth to
one-fourth is a stimulant and antiseptic.

THE WHITE ASHES OF HICKORY OR MAPLE WOOD dissolved in water make an
excellent alkaline drink in fevers, or whenever the system seems