FIHINa. 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 swellulg, the issue may be looked upon as likely 

 to be favourable. 



James's Blistering Ointment. — I am frequently ques- 

 tioned respecting a blisteriug 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. 



!FiEiNG. — 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 schirrosity 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 smrgeons in the time' of 

 Hippocrates ; and at this day we find one of the 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 counter irritation. 



