S P L E N T S. 53 



to judge whether any perceptible advantage has 

 been obtained from the force of thefe power^ 

 ful repellents : if not, procure two ounces of 

 the ftrongeft mercurial ointment, and let the 

 fize of a hazle nut be well rubbed in upon the 

 part affeded, every night and morning, till the 

 whole is confumed, ufing the roller each night, 

 and taking it off in the morning. If this does 

 not fucceed, the beft andmoft fpeedy method 

 will be the immediate extirpation, by malcing 

 a longitudinal inciiion (** without bruifing^ 

 hammerings' &c.) through the integuments, 

 diffecling and extracfling the fubftance, com- 

 pleting the cure by taking up a couple of 

 ftitches, and treating ii: as a fuperiicial wound : 

 for which directions will be found under that 

 head. 



Notwdthftanding the variety of opinions in-^. 

 culcated, and inftrudtions laid down, to ob-? 

 tain a radical cure, ;t becomes a matter of 

 doubt whether a little deliberation, previous 

 to a rajfh execution, may not prove the moft 

 Vifeful monitor of the two; that is, if the 

 jfplent is not produdive of lamenefs or dif- 

 quletude, forming no inconvenience but an 

 external appearance, whether it m.ay not be 

 E 3 moft 



