Miscellanies. 199 



ken with measles, which did not acquire a full development. In a 

 few months after, she was seized with pain in her limbs, and espe- 

 cially in the right knee. This was at first treated by leeches, &,c., as 

 a rheumatic affection, but without success. The inflammation of 

 the limb and knee became terribly severe ; abscesses were succes- 

 sively formed, and although their suppuration and lancing diminished 

 the pain, the inflammation was renewed with increased intensity. 

 Fomentations, and a deep incision in the knee were resorted to with- 

 out any advantage. This painful condition had continued five 

 months, when it was resolved, in consequence of the success of Dr. 

 Peschier with carded cotton, to make an application of it. The 

 whole leg was enveloped with it. In a few days the suppuration be- 

 came more free and abundant, the inflammation was sensibly dimin- 

 ished, the pains abated, and her sleep was more tranquil. In a few 

 weeks the change was decided, and in three months, viz. eight 

 months after the first attack, the girl was cured, except that the leg 

 remained weak and stiff, which it was expected that the use of min- 

 eral waters would remove. It may be remarked, that before the ap- 

 plication of the cotton, there had been some periods of amendment, 

 but always followed by a relapse ; whereas, after the first trial of the 

 cotton, the healing went on with perfect regularity. — Bib. Univ. 

 Jan. 1832. 



2. Preservation against rust, dampness, ^c.^-A piece of linen 

 or cotton cloth, steeped in a saturated solution of lime or sulphate of 

 soda, and carefully dried, preserves from humidity and oxidation, 

 delicate steel instruments, and also preserves parchment and paper. 



Steel instruments may also be preserve(J in quick lime. 

 A magnetic needle, suspended by a silk thread in lime water, un- 

 dergoes no deterioration. — Jour. deConnois.TJsuelle'stome i2,p. 89. 



3. Coating for the preservation of Cordage, Leather and Wood, 

 from the effects of moisture. — The material which has been princi- 

 pally relied on for the preservation of cordage, &£C. is tar, in the use 

 of which there are several disadvantages. The following is confi- 

 dently proposed as a substitute. 



Take ten lbs. of common resin, pulverize it coarsely, and expose 

 it to a dry atmosphere, so that all the moisture it contains may leave 

 it ; place it in a kettle over a fire, melt it, and continue the heat 

 gently till the swelling ceases, and it becomes transparent y then add 



