EXTERNAL INFLAMMATION. 
63 
the bowels, the pressure is necessarily removed from the 
inflamed vessels. As it is a law of the animal economy 
that where the circulation is directed to one set of vessels 
it proportionally diminishes the flow in other parts of the 
system, purging, by producing langour and sickness, lessens 
the general excitement, and hence the pressure upon the 
circulation is circumscribed. 
In administering medicine in cases of internal inflamma¬ 
tion much caution and consideration are required, because 
what might be beneficial in some cases may be prejudicial 
in others. Purgatives in inflammation of the lungs and 
bowels ought never to be administered until the inflamma¬ 
tory symptoms have been removed, as there is such a strong 
degree of sympathy between the various organs enveloped 
in the cavity of the chest, that they are apt to be influenced 
by that which affects any of them, more especially if the 
inflammation is violent. 
EXTERNAL INFLAMMATION. 
Great difference of opinion prevails on the means of 
treating external inflammation. Cold embrocations and 
lotions were considered as the most proper remedies to be 
employed in this disease, being more likely to allay the heat 
of the part; and there can be little doubt but they will 
speedily lessen the heat from the well-known principle, 
that caloric has a strong tendency to equalize itself, or to 
quit any substance which is surcharged with it; conse¬ 
quently, by these appliances the increased temperature is 
diminished in the part which is inflamed. The effect will 
be considerably heightened by dissolving two ounces of 
nitre in a quart of water, and applying it immediately after 
the nitre is fairly dissolved, the inflamed portion being com¬ 
pletely exposed to the process of evaporation. Nitre will 
