10 On the Treatment of Burns.and Scalds. 
plumbi acetatis dilutus, and as cold as’may be, renewing or 
continuing this process, by means of two compresses, one of 
which remains in the cold liquor, whilst the other is applied so 
often, and so long, as the part injured is above the natural tem- 
perature ; that is, until the heat and irritation arising imme- 
diately from the injury have subsided, and which, by this means, 
duly pursued, is usually accomplished in a few hours. 
In the instances of scadds, where the injury is only superficial, 
the same method is persevered in, renewing the dressing or 
pledget of cerate once or twice every four- and- -twenty hours, 
according as the discharge, pain, or other circumstances may 
indicate ; still continuing the cold application, especially toward 
the afternoon or evening, when the part is more inclined to be- 
come hot and painful. 
Whatever vesications might ensue, I immediately emptied of 
the effused serum, by as small a puncture as might be, and 
pressed the whole of the fluid gently out, preserving the cuticle, 
till it separated spontaneously, or the denuded part was become 
callous, taking particular care, at the time of removing it, and 
likewise at every time of dressing, to cover the part, as expedi- 
tiously as possible, in order to exclude the external air.—Parti- 
eular care, likewise, should be taken that the-part be well moist- 
ened or wetted, with the liquor before mentioned, previously 
to removing the plaster, and compress, in order to prevent their 
sticking or adhering to the part. 
In burns or scalds of a more serious nature, where sloughs are 
likely to form, the second part of the process consists in applying 
a cataplasm of bread, and the saturnine liquor prepared as be- 
fore, and cold, if the ‘heat of the part require it; repeating it 
twice, or oftener, every four-and-twenty hours, according to cir- 
cumstances. It is scarcely necessary to state, that rest in bed, 
unless in trivial cases, is essential, with an anciphlogistic regimen, 
and opium occasionally. 
In cases of such a nature as to threaten mortification, or the 
loss of life, care must be taken that the cooling antiphlogistic 
system be not pushed too far, that is, beyond what the habit 
and strength of the patient can endure ; which will be apparent, 
by the want of a due degree of reaction in the part injured, or 
in the system in general ; in which case the use of warm fomen- 
tations, and emollient or stimulating cataplasms, according to 
cireumstances, should be resorted to; and a due portion of in-~ 
vigorating nourishment and cordials, as wine, &c. thrown into 
the habit. Iam of opinion that Lark is of little use in such 
cases. 
I was led to the above method of treating burns and sealds, in’ _ 
consequence. 
