FISTULA. 171 



self into the interstices or openings, but not 

 so hot as to scald or harden the surface. 



Incisions, or scarifications, must be made 

 whenever necessary, and the callo>iUes extir- 

 pated exactly as before (iescribed ; using nei- 

 ther corrosives or caustics, but adhering to 

 the method of keeping dovv^n fungus, or exr 

 crescences, by the application of unslacked 

 lime in the lump (for a few minutes), or pre- 

 viously powdered, where the wound will not 

 admit of its use in the other form. This 

 method should have the preference on ail 

 occasions ; for which a predominant reason 

 may be urged, that receiving its power only 

 from the moisture it iaibibe3 from the part, 

 it immediately performs the purpose it is in- 

 tended to execute, and becomes directly 

 inactive; whereas the favourite articles of 

 aqua^^orfisy oil of vitriol, ^wA. mercury, not only 

 absolutely cauterize or burn all the part, 

 but raise a great degree of injiamination upon 

 the surrounding vessels, and evidently in- 

 crease the mischief they were intended to, 

 prevent. The detergent wash before-m^n^ 

 tioned, cannot be too frequently used till tlie 

 wound bears marks of amendment ; and care 



