ercise of these functions may be impeded, require serious attention. But, as most of the diseases to which they are liable, have already been discussed, we refer to their respective heads: thus, for inflammations in the throat, the reader will consult the articles Quinsy; Swallowing, and Tonsils.
Throat-wort. See Giant Bell-flower.
THROSTLE, or Thrush, Turdus musicus, L. a well-known British bird, which, in its melodious notes, is excelled only by the nightingale. Its head, back, and lesser coverts of the wings, are of a deep olive-brown; and the inner surface of the latter is yellow. The cheeks and throat are mottled with brown and white; the belly and breast are of a pale-yellow colour, with large black spots.
Throstles build their nests in some low bush or thicket: externally, they are composed of earth, moss, and straw, but the inside is curiously plastered with clay. Here the female deposits 5 or 6 pale-bluish green eggs, marked with dusky spots. The Throstle is by some believed to be the finest singing bird in Britain, on account of the sweetness, variety, and continuance of its melody. From the top of high trees, it exercises its harmonious voice, and for the greater part of the year, amuses us with its song.
THRUSH, a disorder incident to infants, and of which the following are the principal symptoms: Small whitish or grey pustules appear on the fauces, extending over the surface of the tongue, and adjacent parts; the former is swoln, and the whole assumes a purplish colour: sometimes the pimples are scattered, and distinct, but generally confluent, adhering closely to the membranes: if rubbed off, they speedily grow again, and remain for an indefinite period.
This disease is not confined to the mouth and throat, but in some instances extends to the gullet, stomach, and alimentary canal; quantities of aphthous pustules having been vomited up, and also voided by stool: in these cases, however, the patient is commonly attacked with fever and anxiety, hiccough, and hoarseness.
The principal cause of this malady is a weak digestion, by which the milk becomes coagulated, and unfit for aliment; though it is frequently induced by cold and moisture. The thrush likewise occurs in the course of other disorders, or, in consequence of certain active medicines; but, under these circumstances, it cannot be considered as a primary affection, and mostly disappears, when the patient is in a convalescent state.—The following conditions prognosticate a favourable event: namely, when there is neither fever nor looseness; the deglutition is easy; the appetite returned; and when the pustules are of a white colour.
Cure:—If the thrush be of a mild nature, it will in general be sufficient to administer the following powder to the nurse: Take of calcined magnesia, 1 oz.; orange-peel, sweet-fennel, and white sugar, finely pulverized, of each 2 drams; mix the whole, of which a tea-spoonfnl may be taken in water, twice or three times a-day:—in obstinate cases, it will be advisable to give the child about a third or fourth part of the quantity prescribed for the nurse. During this treatment, the fullowing composition should be applied, with a view
