PATHOLOGY; 33 



If the natural secretion of a part is become acri- 

 monious by inflammation, so as to excoriate any 

 part, that part must be defended by oils, muci- 

 lages, &c. Oil of olives, almonds, spermaceti, 

 linseed, and mucilages of gum-arabic and quinces 

 may be applied ; the latter, if in a fresh state, is a 

 very good application. 



If motion increases the inflammation, the parts 

 should be kept at rest as much as pofsibie. If it 

 is increased by cold, the patient should be kept 

 in a mild temperature. If the stimulus arises from 

 the distention of parts, a continuation of fomenta- 

 tions, such as the constant application of w»rm. 

 water may be beneficial. Pure exprelsed oils are 

 also found to have relaxant effects. 



Pain in general is only a consequence of inflam*- 

 mation, though sometimes it may be a means of 

 continuing it, in proportion as the sensibility in- 

 creases. Poultices of the simplest kind should be 

 used, such as bran and warm water, or linseed 

 meal ; the latter of these is preferable, from its not 

 being so liable to become lumpy, and from not 

 becoming sour. Opium and other applications, 

 such as preparations of lead, are often used. 

 When the parts are very irritable, these may allay 

 pain. If opium is used externally, it ought to be 



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