MODES OF DEATH. 125 



useful guides to the practitioner to effect tins eml — namely, 1st. 

 That such diseases tend to cause congestions of some organ or 

 organs, as the lungs, spleen, stomach, and bowels, and conse- 

 quently means should be taken to prevent as much as possible 

 the occurrence of such congestions by removal of the patient 

 from the contamination of foul air or bad drainage, and the 

 avoidance of gastric or intestinal irritants. 2c?. That the blood 

 to a varying extent loses its plasticity, and is apt to exude 

 through the walls of the vessels into the looser and softer 

 tissues, and there undergoing rapid decomposition, causes gan- 

 grene of the tissue with which it is in contact, as in black- 

 quarter, &c. 



Means must therefore be taken to overcome this condition of 

 the blood-mass by the administration of the chlorate of potash, 

 which has a remarkable eflect in restoring both colour and 

 plasticity to tlie altered blood ; oil of turpentine, which is not 

 only a most valuable antiseptic, but is also a styptic, and in 

 virtue of its diuretic properties assists the kidneys in the removal 

 of effete materials. Quinine, the mineral acids, and the salts of 

 iron will be useful at a later stage, should convalescence be 

 established. Ammonia and its salts are to be avoided, as they 

 tend to decrease the blood's coagulability. Eggs, milk, and, as 

 some recommend, beef tea, may, however, be administered in the 

 earlier stages of the maladies, and continued until there be 

 a return of appetite. 



