124 
A TREATISE ON ELEPHANTS. 
External applications : blisters. — Blisters are substances which 
when applied to the skin cause irritation, raise it and give rise to 
blebs containing an amber-coloured watery-looking secretion. 
Objects for which used. — (i) To raise the vigour of the circula- 
tion of the affected part by establishing a degree of irritation or 
inflammation of the skin. 
(2) To stimulate the absorbent vessels of the part and by so 
doing cause removal of effused fluids. 
Instructions on their use. — {a) Never apply a blister to an 
abraded surface or to a part when inflammation, that is heat, pain 
and tenderness exist. Wait till all inflammation has been subdued 
through the agency of other means. 
{b) When the blister has acted wash off with soap and tepid 
water, then apply vaseline or sweet oil to the surface. 
[c) Never apply a blister at the bend of a joint. — If desirous 
to apply one in the vicinity of a joint, it is necessary to protect the 
bend by first smearing plain vaseline into it, or better still, paint 
the skin w^ith a saturated solution of resin in methylated spirit. 
When using fluid blistering agents, place a little cotton wool 
below the part to be blistered to absorb the drip. Apply wnth a 
brush or dab on with a cloth. 
The size of the blister will depend on the condition to be treated. 
On the loins, for the kidneys, or injury, it may be a foot square 
on each side. Around sores a ring is applied 2 or 3 ins. broad 
close to the wound but so as not to enter it. The blistered 
surface should be covered over with a piece of paper or cloth and 
protected with a rug to prevent the animal getting his trunk or tail 
smeared with any of the blistering agents. The mahout should 
remain with the elephant till blister has acted and been washed 
off:— 
(54) Biniodide of mercury 
Iodine 
Potassium iodide ... 
Vaseline 
\ oz. 
4 ozs. 
oz. 
— Wallis Hoare^ 
(55) Biniodide of mercury 
Lard, vaseline or ghee 
I part. 
8 to 12 (i to 8 is a 
strong blister, i to 
16 mild). 
OR 
Iodine ointment 
Biniodide of mercury ointment 
Very useful for chronic hard swellings. 
