NOURISHING DIET REQUIRED. 141 



produce a slough an inch and a half in circumference ; 

 after the separation of the slough a stick of caustic 

 potash is applied to the sore, and repeated as many times 

 as may be required to open the abscess. This mode is 

 a safe and certain one, but objections have been raised 

 to its tediousness and painful effects. Others make an 

 opening with a bistoury, or a trocar and canula, leaving 

 the canula in the wound for some days to allow the pus 

 to dribble away. When the abscesses are large the pus 

 should be allowed to run away by instalments, ex- 

 tending over many days, care being taken to exclude the 

 air. 



The strength of the patient should be kept up by good 

 nourishing diet, and the stomach and excreting organs 

 should be carefully attended to. 



