INTUMESCENTI7E. 009 



In many cases of a moderate disease, I am persuaded that they 

 may obviate any future increase of it. 



MDCLXXXVIII. Thus, upon what is commonly the first 

 symptom of anasarca, that is, upon the appearance of what are 

 called (Edematous Swellings of the feet and legs, the three 

 remedies of bandaging, friction, and exercise, have often been 

 used with advantage. 



MDCLXXXIX. That some degree of external compression 

 is suited to support the tone of the vessels, and particularly to 

 prevent the effects of the weight of the blood in dilating those 

 of the lower extremities, must be sufficiently evident ; and the 

 giving that compression by a bandage properly applied, has been 

 often useful. In applying such a bandage, care is to be taken 

 that the compression may never be greater on the upper than 

 on the lower part of the limb ; and this, I think, can hardly 

 ever be so certainly avoided, as by employing a properly con- 

 structed laced stocking. 



MDCXC. Friction is another means by which the action of 

 the blood-vessels may be promoted, and thereby the stagnation 

 of fluids in their extremities prevented. Accordingly, the use 

 of the flesh-brush has often contributed to discuss oedematous 

 swellings. It appears to me that friction, for the purposes now 

 mentioned, is more properly employed in the morning, when 

 the swelling is very much gone off, than in the evening, when 

 any considerable degree of it has already come on. I appre- 

 hend also, that friction being made from below upwards only, is 

 more useful than when made alternately upwards and down- 

 wards. It has been common, instead of employing the flesh- 

 brush, to make the friction by warm and dry flannels ; and this 

 may in some cases be the most convenient : but I cannot perceive 

 that the impregnation of these flannels with certain dry fumes 

 is of any benefit. 



MDCXCI. With respect to exercise, I must observe, that 

 although persons being much in an erect posture during the 

 day, may seem to increase the swelling which comes on at night ; 

 yet as the action of the muscles has a great share in promoting 

 the motion of the venous blood, so I am certain, that as mucli 

 exercise in walking as the patient can easily bear, will often pre- 



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