The symptoms of senility gradually increase until death ensues. Death due to old age may be compared to a peaceful slumber. This is the natural end of life, but unfortunately not the usual one, for in most instances disease cuts the thread of life at an earlier day.
Old people may be more comfortable and better able to resist the encroachments of disease, if they carefully follow the rules of health appro priate to their time of life. The most essential of these rules calls for absolute mental and bodily rest ; that is, avoidance of muscular exertion, exhausting brain-work, and excitement in general. The food must be easily digestible but may be well spiced, and should he easy to chew. Over-indulgence in eating and drinking is always harmful, and usually leads to obstinate consti pation and cerebral congestion. Although wine has been designated as the " milk of the aged," alcoholic beverages are not to be recommended in advanced years. On account of the diminution in body-heat, old people should always dress warmly, and beware of any sudden loss of heat, as well as of exposure to draughts or dampness. Warm baths only should be taken. Because of the diminished resistance to disease, a physician should be called as soon as any morbid symptoms manifest themselves ; but the impossible should not he expected of him. The affections of old age cannot always
be driven away by medicinal means, and there is no acknowledged fountain of youth. As much relief as possible should be afforded ; but it must not he forgotten that great deeds and extraordinary exertions depend for their execution on youth and strength, and not on old age.
SENNA.—The dried leaves of the Cassia acutitolia of Egypt, and the Cassia angustifoli3 of India. The active principle is cathartic acid. Senna is an active laxative, which probably acts by direct irritation of the intestine, and possibly by causing an increase in the flow of bile. When given to nursing mothers, it will appear in the milk and cause purging in the child. The urine may appear yellow or red after taking senna, but this is entirely without significance. The drug may cause considerable griping pain, and is, therefore, often accompanied with aromatics. Senna is the principal agent in the compound liquorice powder. Another common preparation is the confection of senna, which is given in teaspoonful doses.