172 FISTULA. 



must be taken in the separation of all fistu- 

 lous sinuses to leave the orifice or opening as 

 much declining as possible, that the matter 

 may naturally pass downwards, w^ithout being 

 subject to a probability of retention. 



Thus much by way of INSTRUCTION 

 for CURING, what may mostly be prevent- 

 ed by a very moderate share of care and 

 attention, or, more properly speaking, an 

 exertion of that reason generally distinguished 

 by the appellation oi common sense. Let it 

 BE REMARKED, the vcry application of re- 

 pellents is a palpable absurdity, unless in an 

 early state of the swelling, before the vessels 

 are sufficiently bruised and inflamed to eject 

 the fluids that, becoming extravasated and 

 stamant, form the tumour ; which beins^ 

 once accumulated, is too viscid in substance, 

 and large in quantity, to be again rarefied 

 and absorbed into the circulation. The 

 swelling being too far advanced to admit a 

 hope of repulsion, should be promoted by 

 softening poultices (as will be particularized in 

 thJ next class, under the discussion of tu- 

 mours) ; the course' of suppuration will then 

 go on in the natural way, the concoction will 



