Now, not long after Zoe had quitted the house, he came in to see the sick child for the third time.

Klea was still holding the boy on her lap when he entered.

On a wooden stool in front of her stood a brazier of charcoal, and on it a small copper kettle the physician had brought with him; to this a long tube was attached.

The tube was in two parts, joined together by a leather joint, also tubular, in such a way that the upper portion could be turned in any direction.
Klea from time to time applied it to the breast of the child, and, in obedience to Imhotep's instructions, made the little one inhale the steam that poured out of it.
"Has it had the soothing effect it ought to have ?" asked the physician.
"Yes, indeed, I think so," replied Klea, "There is not so much noise in the chest when the poor little fellow draws his breath." The old man put his ear to the child's mouth, laid his hand on his brow, and said: "If the fever abates I hope for the best.

This inhaling of steam is an excellent remedy for these severe catarrhs, and a venerable one besides; for in the oldest writings of Hermes we find it prescribed as an application in such cases.