REE. |. i92 
of the articles, of the virtues being “refrigerant,” 
by which would be understood simply to use the 
common parle of practitioners, without admit- 
ting:its propriety: and I would, in such and other 
instances when I employ the terms of classes in 
‘the legitimacy of which I cannot believe, be also 
understood merely to designate that effect, prima- 
_ ry, secondary, or remote, which has been noticed 
by authors, without conceding the propriety of the 
terms, or the veritable existence of such remedies 
as those terms designate. I proceed now to the class 
I propose to stand in lieu of refrigerants. 
> Gee 
TOPICAL REFRIGERANTS. 
‘These are chemical compounds or products, or 
natural agents externally applied to such parts of 
the body as may be marked by superficial inflam- 
mation: and which tend to reduce directly the in- 
creased activity of the vessels of the part inflamed. 
I will not say, that a reduction of general temper- 
ature may not be the consequence of these reme- 
dies, thus externally, but more generally applied | 
to the surface when no superficial inflammation 
exists. But I would say, that itis chiefly in ca- 
ses of actual inflammation, as in burns, scalds, 
erysipelatous and phlegmonous heat, that they are 
to be resorted to as remedies. 
The substances I would dispose under this class, 
are 
ist. Chemical compounds, as ether, or etherial 
Spirits, which generate coldness by their evapora- 
tion; and : . 
2nd. Natural fluids and products, as cold water, 
ice. Articles operating in the manner either of 
