176 THE HORSE. 



contradictory. The heat of the part very naturally and properly led 

 to the application of cold embrocations and lotions. Heat has a strong 

 tendency to equalize itself, or to leave that substance which has a too great 

 quantity of it, or little capacity to retain it, for another which has less of 

 it, or more capacity to retain it. Hence the advantage of cold applications, 

 by which a great deal of the unnatural heat is speedily taken away from the 

 inflamed part. The foot labouring under inflammation is put into cold 

 water ; or the horse is made to stand in water or wet clay, and various 

 cold applications are used to sprains. The part is wetted with diluted 

 vinegar or goulard, or salt and water. We believe that when benefit is 

 derived from these applications, it is to be attributed to their coldness alone, 

 and that water, and when especially cooled below the natural temperature, 

 is quite as good as anything else. An ounce of nitre dissolved in a pint 

 of water, will lower the temperature of the fluid many degrees ; but the 

 lotion must be applied immediately after the "salt has been dissolved ; and 

 it should be applied in such a way that the inflamed part may be fully ex- 

 posed to the process of evaporation. While the fluid is converted into 

 vapour, by the heat of the skin, a considerable degree of cold is produced. 

 Let the limb or the part have the full benefit of this, by being uncovered. 

 A bandage may be afterwards applied to strengthen the limb, but during 

 the continuance of active inflammation it will only confine the heat of the 

 part, or prevent the part from benefiting by the salutary influence of tlie 

 cold produced by the evaporation of the water. 



Sometimes, however, we resort to warm fomentations, and if benefit be 

 derived from their use, it is to be traced to the warmth of the fluid, and 

 not to any medicinal property in it; and warm water will do as much good 

 to the horse who has so thick a skin, as a decoction of chamomile, or marsh- 

 mallow, or even of poppy heads, or any nostrum that the farrier may re- 

 commend. Fomentations increase the warmth of the skin, and open the 

 pores of it, and promote perspiration, and so lessen the tension and swelling 

 of the part, assuage pain, and relieve inflammation. Fomentations, to 

 be useful, should be long and frequently employed, and at as great a 

 degree of heat as can be used without giving the animal pain. Poultices 

 are nothing but more permanent, or longer-continued fomentations. The 

 part is exposed to the influence of warmth and moisture for many hours 

 or days v^ithout intermission, and perspiration being so long kept up, 

 the distended vessels will be very materially relieved. The advantage 

 derived from a poultice is attributed to the heat "and moisture, which, by 

 means of it, can be long applied to the skin, and it should be composed of 

 materials which will best afford this heat and moisture. The bran poultice 

 of the farrier will therefore be objectionable. It is never perfectly in con- 

 tact with the surface of the skin, and it becomes nearly dry in a few hours, 

 and then is injurious. Linseed-meal is a much better material for a 

 poultice ; it will remain moist for twenty-four hours. The poultice is 

 easily made, by pouring hot w^ater on the meal, a little at a time, and 

 moulding it well with the hand until the cataplasm attains its proper con- 

 sistence. 



It is often very difficult to decide when a cold or a hot application is to be 

 used, and no general rule can be laid down, except tliat in cases of super- 

 ficial inflammation, and in the early stage, cold lotions will be preferable ; 

 but when the inflammation is deeper seated, or fully established, warm 

 fomentations may be most serviceable. 



Stimulating applications are frequently used in local inflammation. We 

 have shewn the action of a blister in hastening the suppuration of the 

 tumour of straiigles. When the inflammation is deeply seated, a stimulat- 



