BLISTEES. 159 



pleuritic, and pneumonic diseases. Cantharides act too violently 

 in these diseases. Mustard, if powerful and genuine, and if as- 

 siduously applied, will produce eifects equally beneficial, without 

 the virulent effects of the former. Mustard also possesses 

 these advantages over blisters containing cantharides ; its 

 effects can be regulated just as the operator may desire ; it 

 also passes off" speedily, and leaves no permanent blemish upon 

 the skin, and it does not excite those dangerous consequences 

 within the animal system which are but too common from the 

 use of cantharides. It is the best to apply a cantharides 

 blister to a part where the disease is limited in its extent of 

 surface, and where, comparatively speaking, it is superficial, as, 

 for example, in the formation of purulent abscess between the 

 lower jaws, or to a splint upon the bones of the leg, or to a 

 sprain of the flexor tendons, or a curb ; but where the inflam- 

 mation is very deeply situate, and extends over and amongst 

 tissues having an extensive surface, as in the lungs and the 

 pleura, and when the avoidance of systemic disturbance is 

 regarded, (as it ever should be) as an e\il to be avoided, mustard 

 is without doubt one of the best excitants and counter irritants 

 which we possess for the purpose. 



To produce a smart effect with mustard, it requires to be 

 applied two or three times in quick succession. Its action 

 may be increased if a small quantity of common hartshorn, or 

 turpentine, or strong vinegar, be mixed along with it. 



To best describe the manner of its use, let the reader sup- 

 pose a horse to be affected with Pleuritis, and where it is 

 necessary to apply it as a counter irritant to the sides. The 

 proper way to proceed is as follows : — Pirst procure half a pound 

 at least of genuine mustard (not a mixture of flour and 

 turmeric), which pour into a large sized basin, add to it five or 

 six ounces of hot water, and stir the whole thoroughly together 



