It is impossible to give a rule for this, because it must
vary with the figure of the patient. And tall patients suffer much
more than short ones, because of the _drag_ of the long limbs upon
the waist. But the object is to support, with the pillows, the back
_below_ the breathing apparatus, to allow the shoulders room to fall
back, and to support the head, without throwing it forward. The
suffering of dying patients is immensely increased by neglect of
these points. And many an invalid, too weak to drag about his
pillows himself, slips his book or anything at hand behind the lower
part of his back to support it.
IX. LIGHT.
[Sidenote: Light essential to both health and recovery.]
It is the unqualified result of all my experience with the sick, that
second only to their need of fresh air is their need of light; that,
after a close room, what hurts them most is a dark room. And that it is
not only light but direct sun-light they want. I had rather have the
power of carrying my patient about after the sun, according to the
aspect of the rooms, if circumstances permit, than let him linger in a
room when the sun is off.
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