558 CANKER. 



action in the diseased surface : two plans tend to this end 

 — the first by stimulants apphed to the surface ; the second, 

 by pressure, which strengthens the parts generally. As 

 long as there is a profuse secretion of a curd-like matter ; 

 and as long as the fungus grows beyond the surround- 

 ing parts, so long the cankered action is going on ; and, 

 during this time, no secretion of firm horn will take 

 place. An unhealthy formation of thin half-solid horn 

 may be observed over many portions of the surface ; but 

 this will prove an imperfect secretion, and must not be 

 allowed to remain ; on the contrary, it must be carefully 

 removed at each dressing, until, by the application of stimu- 

 lants, and the benefit of pressure, a healthy granulating 

 surface appears, that will produce only an ordinate and 

 proper quantity of good pus, and finally end in the forma- 

 tion of sound horn. After the exposure of the whole can- 

 kered surface, therefore, and of its treatment as before 

 directed, let it be sprinkled with either of the following 

 powders : — 



Chloride of zinc one draclim. 



Resin four ounces. 



Cliloritle of lime one ounce. 



Alum one ounce. 



Resin two ounces. 



Mix. 



Make only sufficient for one dressing, as neither of the 

 above powders will keep, in consequence of the great 

 attraction for water. The cankered surface being lightly 

 sprinkled with either of these, or any other stimulant judged 

 proper, let it be covered as dry as possible ; first by a layer 

 of lint, over which place pledgets of tow thickly upon the 

 bottom of the foot ; this should be done very judiciously, 

 so as to fulfil the remainder of the indication, that is, to 

 keep up a firm and equal pressure ; and to insure a pro- 

 longation of it, introduce over the whole thin strips of iron 

 or steel, slid under the shoe and crossing each other, which 

 will retain the dressing and keep a continual compression. 

 This being done, keep the foot perfectly dry, which is of 

 the utmost importance : nor does any thing so strongly 

 prevent its future increase, and restore the healthy action 

 as dryness, united with pressure. A very great fault is 



