WHICH ARE FROZEN. 



131 



of a dark red colour. In some individuals^ a 

 slight redness was observed at the base of the 

 toes^ and upon the instep ; while in others^ the 

 toes had lost all power of motion, all sensation 

 and warmth, and become black and dried. These 

 patients, without exception, declared, that they 

 had felt no uneasiness while the severe cold 

 lasted ; and that their complaints first began at 

 the commencement of the thaw.'^ 



From these facts Larrey argues, that cold is 

 not an exciting, but only a predisposing cause of 

 inflammation and gangrene ; a truth which Rich- 

 ter appears to have been well aware of, when he 

 observes, that cold alone, even the most intense, 

 will never produce chilblains. 



In order to thaw a frozen part gradually, it is 

 best to rub it with snow, until sensibility and 

 motion return. 



" If the ear, or tip of the nose, be the part 

 concerned, care must be taken to avoid breaking 

 it. When snow is not at hand, ice cold water 

 should be used instead of it. 



