FISTULA, OR FISTULOUS WITHERS. 213 



propagation, as well as to be able to treat the disease intelli- 

 gently. 



Treatment. — The object in this case is to put back the disease, 

 if possible. If this can not bo done, hasten it to a head as 

 quickly as possible, and open the abscess freely ; then use medi- 

 cines to soften the walls of the abscess, so as to convert it into 

 a healthy, healing sore. Also, where the system is much 

 affected, give tonic and alterative medicines. 



To put back the tumor, raise a blister large enough to cover 

 the entire extent of the swelling. Roweling will also stop it. 

 I use the following: 



Take — Powdered Spanisli flies 1^ ounces. 



Spirits of turpentine 1 pint. 



Mix, and let it stand twenty-four or forty-eight liours. 



Shake it well, and pour it in the hand and rub it on the 

 tumor, rubbing it in thoroughly. It will take from three to 

 five minutes to get suificient of the liquid applied. The second 

 day grease the blistered part with lard, and the next day wash 

 the grease off, and when the surface is dry apply the blistering 

 liquid the same way as before, and continue the blistering the 

 same way until the inflammation and swelling are gone. If 

 the blister does not put it back, it will make it come to a head 

 much sooner than without it. 



At the same time the blistering is commenced, give a 

 good physic of aloes, and repeat it every third day while 

 blistering. 



If matter has formed, let it come to a head, or hasten it with 

 warm flax-seed poultices, and when it has pointed or come to a 

 head, open it wide. The knife used for this purpose should be 

 very sharp, and should go well through to the matter, and the 

 opening should be made quite two inches wide. If it can be 

 done, an opening from the bottom out at the side should be 

 made, and kept open. Then the following ointment may be 

 used: 



