532 MATERIA MEDICA 



In this situation it is left until matter forms, which generally 

 happens in three or four days ; the plug of tow is then Avith- 

 drawn, the rowel moved, and the matter suffi'red to flow out, in 

 which state it remains as long as it is thought necessary. Thus 

 we see that a rowel is an artificial issue or abscess, the leather 

 first causing inflammation, which ends in suppuration or the 

 formation of matter ; and the matter continuing to be formed so 

 long as the extraneous body or leather remains under the skin. 

 The rowel must be moved every day. 



The intention of rowelling is to divert inflammation from any 

 important organ or part of the body. Tluis, when the lungs 

 are inflamed, the animal certainly dies, unless it is put a stop 

 to ; but the skin may be inflamed to a considerable extent with- 

 out danger : we therefore put a rowel in the chest, which, though 

 not sufficient of itself to stop the inflammation of the lungs, con- 

 tributes materially to this purpose, and, with the other necessary 

 remedies, often effects a cure. In large swellings of the hind 

 legs, and obstinate cases of grease, rowels in the thighs are good 

 remedies. 



In shoulder-strains, a rowel may sometimes be ]3ut in the chest 

 with good effect. In short, when inflammation attacks an essen- 

 tial and important part of the system, much benefit will often be 

 derived from inserting a rowel in some contiguous part that is of 

 little importance. When a rowel is removed, the part generally 

 heals of itself; if not, a little Friar's balsam may be applied. 



Many practitioners consider blistering the sides extensively as 

 a more effectual means of diverting inflammation from the lungs 

 than rowels ; and I am inclined to think they are right. The 

 rowel is sometimes smeared with blistering instead of digestive 

 ointment: but there is danger of the cantharides being absorbed 

 and causing inflammation of the kidneys. I have known a 

 horse destroyed in this w^ay. In cases of very severe internal in- 

 flammation, very little can be accomplished either by rowels 

 or blisters. 



Whenever it is thought necessary to make the ointment which 

 is used in rowelling more stimulating, it may be easily done by 

 adding oil of turpentine to it. 



RUBEFACIENTS. A term in human medicine, applied 

 to compositions or simples that redden or inflame the skin. Of 

 this kind are mustard, turpentine, and liquid ammonia. See 

 Embrocations. 



RUE. — Rida gravcolens. This is a perennial evergreen, a 

 native of the southern parts of Europe, but cultivated in this 

 country. Its properties are stimulant and antispasmodic. It has 

 been recommended in locked-jaw as a vehicle for opium, camphor, 

 and assafoetlda, in the form of decoction. It may possess some 

 power as an antispasmodic, but certainly is very inferior to many 



