BLISTEES. 159 



pleuritic, and pneumonic diseases. Cantharides act too violently 

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

 assiduously applied, produces effects 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 abscesses between the lower jaws, 

 to a splint upon the bones of the leg, to a sprain of the flexor 

 tendons, or to a curb. But when the inflammation is very deeply 

 situate, and extends over and amongst tissues having an exten- 

 sive surface, as ia the lungs and the pleura, and when the 

 avoidance of systemic disturbance is regarded (as it ever should 

 be) as an evil 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 sucession. 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 ia 

 necessary to ajiply it as a counter irritant to the sides. Thai 

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

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

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

 ounces of hot water, and stir the whole thoroughly together 



