DISEASES OF ANIMAI£. 



43 



inflammation. Hot or warm water may be used, or a 

 decoction of any herbs. The principal virtue is in the 

 warmth of the water or decoction. In obstinate cases 

 of diseases, fomentations should be often applied, and 

 continued long. They have a very soothing and san- 

 ative effect. 



POULTICES. 



An external app ication for producing inflammation, 

 promoting suppuration, cleansing and preparing wounds 

 or sores for healing ; for mitigating pain, and prev enting 

 mortification. 



Poultices are generally prepared with linseed meal, to 

 which is added oil, lard, or other greasy matter, to pre- 

 vent adhesion to the parts, and keep up the moisture for 

 a longer time. Indian meal may be used instead of 

 linseed meal, but it is not quite so soothing. 



A good scattering poultice, to reduce inflammation, 

 may be made of equal parts of hops, Indian meal, and 

 pulverized slippery-elm, mixed with a strong decoction 

 of raspberry or other astringent liquor. Any powerfully 

 astringent substance may be used as a scattering poul- 

 tice, and meal is good to form a body. 



A poultice may be rendered more soothing by adding 

 opium, or more active and drawing by adding turpen- 

 tine, or chloride of lime. 



For old sores or ulcers, the chloride of lime is excel- 

 lent to add to the poultice ; so is finely powdered char- 

 coal ; and both of these substances are good to prevent 

 mortification. 



The pulp of roasted carrots is a most valuable poul- 

 tice for cleansing and healing old sores or ulcers. 



Alum curd is a valuable application for ulcers. It 

 has a very healthy effect, and tends to prevent mortifi- 

 cation. Prepare it by putting powdered alum into new 

 milk. No matter if there be more than will dissolve. 



Wheat flour, mixed with molasses, and applied as a 

 poultice, is somewhat drawing, and hastens suppuration. 

 It is much used on boite to bring them to a head, tbit 

 they may break, or be prepared for opening. 



