FIEIXG. 161 



generally to be regarded as a bad omen to the patient ; while, 

 on the contrary, where the irritant acts quickly, and produces 

 an extensive swelling, the issue may be looked upon as likely 

 to be favourable. 



James's BLiSTEEiira OiNTME^fT. — I am frequently ques- 

 tioned respecting a blistering ointment sold by the generality 

 of chemists, and called " James's Blister." I have never used 

 this ointment to cases of my own, but from the report of others 

 who have tried it, I am of opinion that it is a good excitant. 

 It is spoken of in favourable terms by veterinary surgeons who 

 are personal friends of mine, and said by them to produce a 

 smart effect without leaving any permanent blemish to the part 

 it may be applied. 



The common blistering ointment generally sold by the 

 chemists, frequently contains corrosive sublimate, and other 

 irritants of a most destructive nature ; perhaps the mildness of 

 the above named blistering ointment arises from an entire 

 absence within it of all such drugs. 



EiErsTG. — The application of the actual cautery for the cure 

 of disease is not only a very ancient remedy, but it is also one 

 of almost universal reputation. Blaine tells us that in India 

 the hot iron is applied to the skin of the abdomen of the human 

 being for the cure of Schirrhosity of the Liver. The same 

 authority also informs us that the Arabs fire the joints of their 

 young colts to strengthen them. 



The actual cautery was used by the surgeons in the time of 

 Hippocrates ; and at this day we find one of our ablest writers 

 on surgery treating upon it as follows .- — " The actual cautery," 

 he states, " is certainly a very efficient, and it is very far from 

 being the most painful, manner of effecting coimter irritation ; 



L 



