FISTULA. 169 



for discharge (in general termed a proper de- 

 gree of ripeness), strong repellents or power- 

 ful spirituous composifions are brought into 

 constant use ; and, by their pecuhar pro- 

 perties, from one universal obstacle to the 

 sjreat effort of nature for relief. Here be- 

 gins a terrible struggle between the contending 

 powers of NATURJE and ART ; for those 

 applications failing in their intentional effect 

 of repulsion upon the contents, distribute 

 their properties upon the integuments, where, 

 by their repeated application, an induration 

 is effected very unfavourable to the abscess 

 in its more advanced state. Nature at last 

 effects her purpose, the tumour is at length 

 brought to suppurate, and a discharge comes 

 on ; but without one of those advantages 

 that would have been acquired, had the ef- 

 forts of nature been attended to and properly 

 (encouraged, instead of opposed. 



From this inconsistent mode of treat- 

 rnent the edges of the wound, when enlarged, 

 become unkind, the seait of a foul or callous 

 complexion ; and, instead of a substantial, 

 favourable healthy matter, the discharge is a 

 complication of blood, sanies, and a kind of 



