ESC. | 140 
Dr. Paris remarks “ the operation of these bodies 
may, in general, be considered chemical ; for ha-_ 
ving destroyed the life of the part to which they 
are applied, they cause, as if by a species of result- 
‘ing affinity, the elements of the animal matter to 
enter into a new state of combination; this is well 
exemplified in the action of caustic. potass, where 
the nascent elements thus disengaged by the de- 
composition of the animal substances, reunite in 
proportions tu generate an oily matter, which may - 
be observed to form a film over the ulcerated 
surface, while the excess of nitrogen and hydro- 
gen constitute the ammonia, which is disengaged 
during the action of the caustic ; and may be 
rendered sensible by inverting over the surface a 
small jar moistened with muriatic acid, when 
fumes of muriate of ammonia, become visible. 
A solution of lunar caustic has lately been re- 
commended to be applied to the lining membrane 
of the upper part of the trachea in croup, to sepa- 
rate the inflammatory membranous product which 
is thrown out by the vessels in exasperated cases 
of that fell disease. And also to be applied to 
the eruptions of small pox to prevent deforming 
cicatrization: ‘i 
