16 INTRODUCTION TO GENERAL SCIENCE 



Prick with a sterilized needle any water blisters, then apply 

 equal parts of limewater and olive oil. Cover burn with 

 absorbent cotton which has been soaked in the same mixture, 

 and over, this place dry cotton. Then bandage. Limewater 

 may be prepared by putting one ounce of fresh unslaked lime 

 into a pint of water, shaking, and allowing to settle. If lime- 

 water is not at hand, use baking soda and olive oil. 



White lead, mixed into a thick paste with linseed oil, may 

 also be used. Apply with a soft brush. Any of the following 

 materials may be applied, but as quickness means much 

 to the patient, ease in obtaining the remedy should have first 

 consideration: baking soda, olive oil, limewater, white 

 lead and linseed oil, powdered chalk, starch (either from 

 potatoes or corn), flour of any kind, and mucilage or dissolved 

 gelatine covered with any of the powders mentioned above. 



References : 



1. 1503 : 398. Cuts, Bruises, and Burns. 



a. 1505 : 24. Treatment of Burns. 



6. 1506 : 298. Burns and Scalds. 



c. 1507:248. Burns. 



d. 1508:327. Burns. 



e. 1511 : 375. Burns and Scalds. 



12. STERILIZATION BY HEAT 



When we break the skin in any way, the protective covering 

 is removed and our bodies are open to the attacks of small 

 plants called bacteria. Bacteria produce more trouble in 

 a wound which has not been properly taken care of than the 

 injury itself. Sometimes we are obliged to inflict wounds 

 upon ourselves, and with a little care we can guard against 

 admitting bacteria unnecessarily. 



If we desire to remove a splinter, or open a pimple, or larger 



