TREATMENT OF DISEASES. 189 



promptly by combining the internal iise of the powder and the local use of the 

 ointment. In this connection I would also mention that in proctocele (a species 

 of piles in which the mucous membrane of the rectum, or intestine, comes 

 down with every passage), a most satisfactory result can be obtained from the 

 internal use of the per sulph of iron (Monsel's salt), in doses of 2 grs. 3 times 

 daily, besides the local application of the ointment." 



10. Hemorrhage of the Lungs, Nose, Womb, etc.— The Mon- 

 sel's salts being so prompt and positive in closing piles, the author cannot see 

 why it would not be equally prompt in bleeding from the organs above named; 

 still, I know that the fluid extract of ergot and tannic acid combined, say, fl. 

 ex. of ergot, 1 oz. ; tannic acid, 180 grs. ; mix. Dose— Take % tea-spoonful 

 every 3 hours, if the hemorrhage is moderate, or if more free, repeat once or 

 twice only, 1 hour apart, then once in 3 or 4 hours, according to the severity of 

 the case. I have used this latter in hemorrhage from the womb, with success, 

 and hence know its value for all these purposes, using friction over the womb, 

 occasionally, until it contracts, and thus ends the hemorrhage. 



Remarks.— In speaking of the uses of Monsel's salts. King, in his "Dis- 

 pensatory," says: "The action of this salt on blood and albumen (albumen 

 forms a part of the blood) is powerful; with the former it produces a volumin- 

 ous clot, absolutely insoluble, which continues to enlarge for several hours 

 after its application, and becomes quite hard and firm. Dr. H. H. Tolland, of 

 San Francisco, Cal., who has successfully used this salt says: ' If applied to a 

 superficial (surface) wound, as soon as made not a drop of blood escapes, and 

 no pain results from the application. It acts by producing instantaneous coag- 

 ulation (thickening) of the blood, and will be found invaluable in hemorrhages 

 from the mouth, nose and throat, when it is impossible to ligate (tie) the vessel, 

 and may be equally efficacious in alarming uterine (womb) hemorrhages, 

 eitlier active or passive. [That is profuse or slight hemorrhages from the 

 womb.] Ill solution, it could be readily applied; it is very deliquescent (dis- 

 solves quickly in the air), and dissolves speedily in water.* " 



Remarks.— V'lW form is the easiest way to take this Monsel's salt, or per- 

 sulphate of iron, as it has an unpleasant, astringent taste in solution; still the 

 solution is the quickest to act, in case of profuse or active hemorrhages. In 

 \voands or ulcerative sores the powder may be sprinkled into them, or in cuts with 

 much hemorrhage. It is the same powder that Dr. T. B. King, of Toledo, O., 

 used in curing an ulcerated erysipelatious sore leg, on a woman in Detroit, 

 Mich. , after the doctors said nothing could help her. As in that item remarked, 

 he applies it. and so nave I, to the mouth of the womb, when ulcerated, with 

 great success. Mind, however, it is iron, and stains clothing; so protect them. 



ABSCESS. — An abscess is the collection of pus or matter in the sub- 

 stance of some part of the body. When the matter is poured out from some 

 part, the process is said to be suppuration; when it collects in a tissue, it is an 

 abscess. When the matter collecting in some organ, comes toward the surface, 

 and a place in the centre rises above the surrounding skin, and turns white, the 

 abscess is said to point. Some abscesses point and break in a week; others of a 

 more chronic character, will linger on for monthc. 



