230 DR CEASE'S RECIPES. 



ture. The disease seems to originate spontaneously in children of feeble and 

 flabby habit, or in a state approaching to marasmus; who are ill fed, uncleanly, 

 and not sufficiently exercised; but it is principally propagated by the actual 

 conveyance of the matter from the diseased to the healthy, by the frequent 

 contact of the heads of children, but more generally by the use of the same 

 towels, combs, caps, and hats. 



Treatment. — While the patches are in an inflamed and irritable condi- 

 tion, we must be content with regular washing or sponging with warm water, 

 or some emollient fomentation. Even the operation of shaving, which is 

 necessary to be repeated at intervals of 8 or 10 days, produces a temporary 

 Increase of irritation. At this time, all stimulant lotions and ointments should 

 be avoided. The disease assumes various forms, and these require a corres- 

 ponding variety in the treatment; so that no single application can be said to 

 possess any unfailing power against the ringworm. When the inflammatory 

 state subsides, a dry scabbing and exfoliation ensues, but again the pustular 

 eruption breaks out, and the patches again become red and tender. In other 

 instances, the surface becomes inert and torpid, while a dry scaly scab con- 

 stantly appears, and active stimulants are requisite to effect any change in the 

 disorder. In more irritative states, the milder ointments, with calomel, oxide 

 of zinc, acetate of lead, should be employed, or sedative lotions, or decoctions 

 or infusions of poppy heads or tobacco. When there is an acrimonious dis- 

 charge, the ointments of zinc and lead, or the milder mercurial ones, or a 

 lotion of lime-water with calomel, are advantageous. In a very dry and inert 

 state of the patches, caustic substances are often very successful. The late 

 Dr. A. T. Thomson strongly recommends the application of a solution of 1 

 dr. of nitrate of silver in ]^ an oz. of diluted nitric acid. But in the varying 

 forms and degrees of ringworm; the remedies must be varied, and combined, 

 according to the degree of irritation which prevails. The constitutional treat- 

 ment is of consequence. A nutritious diet must be prescribed, containing a 

 due admixture of animal food; the clothing must be warm; regular exercise 

 must be enjoined; and a course of tonic medicines, such as iron or quinine, 

 must be ordered. 



2. Touch it with caustic ammonia. 



3. Apply sulphate of copper, 20 grs., to 1 oz. of water. The same is 

 good for Itch. 



PAINTERS' COLIC— This form of coHc is caused by the slow intro- 

 duction of lead into the system,— generally the carbonate of lead. It passes 

 under the different English names of painters' colic, Devonshire colic, and dry 

 belly-ache. The first of these is the name by which it is most commonly 

 known, from its frequent occurrence among painters, who use white lead (car- 

 bonate of lead) a great deal in the preparation of their colors. 



Treatment. — For relieving the pain and opening the bowels, the treat- 

 ment should be very much the same as that for bilious colic. There is one 

 article, however, which is thought to have some special influence in curing this 

 disease, after it has become chronic; it is alum. Fifteen grs. of alum, 2 of 

 %loes, 2 of jalap, and 4 of Doyer'a powder, may be mixed, and taken for a 



