Diseases Immediately Connected with Parturition. 173 
inflammatory cedema, in which the tissue swells, becomes 
tumid, and its interstices filled with fluid, small cells, and a 
gelatinous semi-solid material. The muscular tissue is 
swollen and softened, and a dark fluid flows from it.” 
Treatment.—In all cases of septic inflammation, prompt 
measures both for the removal of the cause and effect, are 
demanded. The former consists in cleansing, by injections 
of warm water, those parts of the genitals upon which the 
infecting material is present, and also disinfection of wounds 
or abrasions. 
Fleming observes : * 
“The genital canal should be thoroughly cleansed by injections of warm 
water, and the wounds dressed with carbolic acid and olive-oil (1 to 10), 
applied by means of a brush or feather ; or salicylic acid 1 part, spirits of wine 
20 parts, warm water 24 parts. 
“‘ After the interior of the uterus has been cleansed by injections of warm 
water, an injection of carbolic acid solution (1 to 20—50) should be made 
every day, and the wounds, if accessible, must be dressed at the same time. 
‘‘Permanganate of potash (1 to 50 of water) may be employed to inject 
into the genital canal, when the disease is less accute. 
‘With regard to constitutional treatment, this must be directed towards 
neutralising the effects of the septic matter by the exhibition of antiseptic 
remedies, and reducing the high temperature ; as a long continuation of this 
leads to rapid consumption of the tissues, and is fraught with danger to the 
system, 
“There is no specific remedy with which to neutralise the action of the 
septic matters in the blood and tissues. The sulphites of soda and potash 
have been recommended, as well as sulphurous acid. These appear to have 
acted favourably in some cases. Carbonate of soda and permanganate of 
potash have also been well spoken of, as well as large doses of quinine. 
Carbolic and salicylic acids are now most in repute, and are given in small 
but frequent doses. 
‘Tf there is a tendency to constipation, a purgative may be administered ; 
indeed, unless special circumstances forbid it, a purgative may prove most 
serviceable in assisting in the removal of the septic matter through the 
intestinal canal. Dogs which have been poisoned by this matter often 
recover after profuse and foetid diarrhoea; and a purgative generally reduces 
the temperature. 
“In acute cases, in order to obtain the more prompt action of antiseptics, 
it has been proposed to introduce them directly into the circulation by 
intravenous injection. Solutions of carbolic acid and iodine have been 
* Tbid., pp. 635, 636. = 
