124 TREATMENT OF INFLAMMATION. 



to the part itself it must be in combination with moisture ; 

 otherwise it is likely to be prejudicial. 



Fomentations and Poultices open the pores of the skin, 

 which tends to relieve the vessels, and abate the inflamma- 

 tion. To reap benefit from fomentations requires per- 

 severance in their application : either the part should be for 

 hours immersed in warm water, and the temperature kept up 

 during the time ; or cloths, constantly renewed, should be 

 dipped in the water and applied to the part. The latter is, 

 perhaps, the more convenient mode of procedure. In cases 

 of recent injury it is really quite surprising what relief may 

 be afforded by the use of warm water, or by fomentation 

 unremittingly persisted in for hours, with an abundance of 

 fluid whose temperature is steadily maintained. Poultices 

 are made by pouring boiling water upon bran or linseed 

 meal, or upon a mixture of both, stirring the ingredients all 

 the while, to prevent the mass being lumpy. As soon as 

 made, a poultice ought to be applied. Now and then the 

 parts may with advantage be immersed in bran or meal, wet 

 with cold water. In fact, the application of different tempe- 

 ratures depends much upon the sensations they produce, 

 and upon the results to which they give rise. They are 

 governed by no other rule. In cases of catarrh, sore throat, 

 and strangles, great benefit is effected by the employment 

 of steam as a fomentation to the seat of disease. 



COUNTER-IRRITANTS. 



Counter-irritation is extensively practised. It implies 

 the counteracting disease, that is, the instituting of one dis- 

 ease to cure another — the artificial production of inflamma- 

 tion in some part of minor importance, with a view to 

 mitigate the inflammation of a more vital structure. 

 Counter-irritants, consequently, differ- from local remedies, 

 inasmuch as they are not directly applicable to the inflamed 

 surface : although, as we shall find hereafter, th^y are used 

 to the parts when inflammation has departed. That accurate 

 observer, John Hunter, found it was a law in the animal 



