ACTION AND USES OF MEDICINES. 157 



Compound Liniment of Turpentine is used when a more stimulating 

 effect is desired, otherwise called Soap Liniment. 



Oil of turpentine . 8 oz. 



Camphor . . . 1 oz. 



Soft soap . . . 4 oz. 

 To be shaken together till mixed. 



310a. Digestive ointment. 

 Common Turpentine . 1 part. 

 Hogs' Lard . . . 4 parts. 

 Melt together in a water bath. 



311. Diluents. 



When dissolved in a large amount of water demulcents act as Diluents, 

 which, as their name indicates, dilute the blood and other secretions. 



They are useful in certain diseases in diminishing the irritating proper- 

 ties of unhealthy secretions. In irritability of the bladder, for instance, 

 they are serviceable in diluting the urine and thus diminishing irritation 

 in the mucous lining of that organ. 



312. Emollients. 



Fomentations and Poultices, otherwise termed Emollients, by virtue of 

 their heat and moisture soften, relax, and soothe the parts to which they 

 are applied. Hence they are used in cases of recent sprains, in colic or 

 gripes, in enteritis, in bruises, and in all such cases. They are also 

 serviceable in cleansing wounds in which dirt or gravel may have lodged. 



But simple as they are, Emollients may be used too freely or for too 

 long, or until they unduly relax the parts, or in the case of wounds in- 

 duce undue effusion and suppuration, and in some cases excessive granu- 

 lations. 



The lymphy fluid poured out from the adjacent healthy structures is 

 the material intended by nature for the cementing of wounds and for the 

 repair of lacerated structures. From it the muscles, skin, bones, and all 

 other parts are built up, and hence in the treatment of wounds care must 

 be taken not to interfere with the reparative material or ignorantly 

 remove it. 



The simple rule appears to be, that Emollients are useful in the first 

 instance in reducing the inflammation, and may in many cases bring 

 about resolution. Or if the progress of inflammation cannot be checked, 

 they may be advantageously continued with the view of bringing on the 

 processes of effusion and suppuration. But as soon as this action has 

 been induced, the emollient should be discontinued, because the object of 

 its application has been attained. 



313. Poultices. 



Poultices intended for the special purpose of giving warmth to a part 

 are usually made of hot bran. Those intended for relaxation may be 



