Roses and electric shocks, the khaki of Deltas and a whiff of asafoetida—wedded indissolubly before the child can speak.

“Asafoetida,” he said, mentioning a slightly skunky-scented spice, and spotting containers of the Vandevi brand that used to be a staple in his mother’s pantry.

Tympanites should be met by warm stupes, large enemas of warm water with fl. drachm j tincture of asafoetida or fl. oz. j of whiskey.