172 



THE MODERN SYSTEM 



WARM APPLICATIONS, EMOLLIENT POULTICES, 

 AND FOMENTATIONS. 



The absurdity of attempting to reconcile 

 every useful practice with a philosophical 

 theory, is in no instance more strikingly 

 shewn, than in the opposite sorts of local ap- 

 plications which are of service in inflamma- 

 tion. The generality of cases undoubtedly 

 receive most relief from the use of cold seda- 

 tive astringent lotions ; but there are constitu- 

 tions and parts which derive most service 

 from the local employment of warm emollient 

 remedies . 



Were I to endeavour to define the par- 

 ticular instances in which the latter applicii- 

 tions avail most, I should take upon me a 

 task which has baffled all the most able 

 writers. Inflammations of the foot, broken knee, 

 strain of the back sinews, may be specified, 

 however, as examples in which, generally 

 speaking, warm emollient applications are 

 better than cold astringent ones. But I am 

 ready to grant, that in all cases of inflamma- 

 tion, which manifestly cannot be cured without 

 suppuration, the emollient plan of treatment 

 ought to be at once adopted, as in either 

 fistulous withers, or pole-evil ; for the sooner 

 the matter is formed, the sooner the inflam- 

 mation is stopped. The inflammation attend- 

 ing gun-shot wounds, are of ti)is description ; 

 also, injuries received from the goring of cattle 

 in the field, &c. 



Warmth and moisture together, or in other 

 words, fomentations are commonly had re- 

 course to in cases of inflammation, but when 

 the warmth is as much as the sensitive prin- 

 ciple can bear, it excites action. Whether it 

 is ihe action of Inflammation, or the action of 

 Uie contraction of the vessels is unknown. 



We see that in many cases that warmth Joes 

 no good, and therefore it might be supposed 

 to increase the action of dilatation, and do 

 harm ; but if the pain should arise from the 

 contraction of the inflamed vessels, benefit 

 would be the result, though we must doubt 

 that this change is produced, as making the 

 vessels contract would probably give ease. 



In addition to what has been already ob- 

 served on inflammation, it seems almost like 

 an insurmountable hill, to give any useful 

 practical advice, with respect to those cases in 

 which warm emollient applications should be 

 used in preference to cold astringent ones. I 

 can with confidence remark, that the vete- 

 rinary surgeon who consults the feelings and 

 comfort of the animal under his care, will 

 seldom commit any serious error. Hence, in 

 all cases in which the first kind of topical ap- 

 plications seem not to produce the wonted 

 degree of lelief, let the second sort be tried. 

 From the opportunity of comparison, a right 

 judgment may then be easily formed. 



As for poultices, the Unseed meal, in my 

 opinion, should take the preference, and it is 

 easily prepared. Put as much hot water into 

 a bason, as the size of the poultice requires, 

 previous to which, mix the meal with cold 

 water, so that it does not clot in lumps when 

 coming in contact with the hot water, then 

 gradually mix, till the mass is of a proper 

 consistence. Very frequently, a little sweet oil 

 or hog's lard is also added, to keep the appli- 

 cation longer soft and moist. 



Fomentations are excellent ; and in most 

 cases of recent inflammations, as strains or 

 bruises, nothing can be better. The benefit 

 I have perceived from the application of 

 warm fomentations, has been surprisins. 



By pursuing the treatment recommended 



