TREATMENT OF HEAT RASH IN INFANTS IN 1746 ACCORDING TO DR. JEAN ASTRUC
T. E. C. Jr. M.D.
Jean Astruc (1684-1766) is best known for his book on venereal diseases, De Morbis Veneris (Paris 1736); it may surprise some that he was also interested in pediatrics. The English edition of his lectures on children's diseases published in 1756 contains many suggestions for the treatment of illnesses of infancy and childhood. The following is a good example of early 18th century pediatric practice.
Let the patient be lightly covered and his cloths frequently changed; let him also be kept in a cool place, and lye in clean linen in the afternoon, or during the heat; thus the tumours will vanish at last by the change of the season: but if they be too obstinate, order a decoction of mash-mallows and milk. If they degenerate into a sort of impetigo, order Galen's Cerat, which is made of wax and the oil of sweet-almonds, boiled to a proper consistence. You may add a little vinegar, of frog-spawn water, or boil these with wax, and anoint the tumours therewith; the patient must abstain from all salt and spiced meats, wine, etc., and let him take for his ordinary drink, pullet broth, or mineral waters; he may also drink of barley-water, or water mixed with lemon-juice, and use moderate exercise.1
