AND HIS DISEASES. 5 



mation has been sudden and violent. When this has 

 occurred, no recovery can take place, as the blood-vessels 

 and tissues are destroyed : the part gradually becomes cold, 

 the colour becomes blue or purple, a foetid moisture covers 

 the surface, and noxious gases are evolved. There is always 

 a red line of deniarkation between the dead and living 

 tissues ; and if the constitutional depression, which gener- 

 ally accompanies it,, does not produce death, this red line 

 becomes converted into pus, and the dead part is removed 

 by a process called Sloughing. 



Treatment of Inflammation.^— 'We will merely notice the 

 general principles to be observed in the treatment of inflam- 

 mation, leaving the treatment of different parts till we take 

 them up in their proper place. Our first thought must be, 

 to inquire into the cause of the inflammation; that being 

 found and removed, the effects will soon cease ; without that, 

 a cure cannot be established. Matter may be forming in 

 the foot, indicated by intense pain, heat, and great lameness. 

 We may foment or poultice or do what we may : the re- 

 moval of the faulty nail must be the first step in the cure ; 

 and that done, we will be able to attain our object by com- 

 paratively slight means. 



The remedial treatment may be divided into local and 

 constitutionalr 



Local Treatment.^Ouv object is to produce resolution, 

 if possible. This will be best done by placing the patient in 

 a cool, comfortable box. He must be secured, so as to give 

 the inflamed part complete rest ; and then the constant and 

 copious application of cold' water, cooling lotions, and freez- 

 ing mixtures, will retard, and often arrest the inflammatory 

 process. Cold, to be of any service, must be kept up for 

 several hours, otherwise the reaction it produces will do 

 more harm than good. Should this not arrest its progress. 



