PHYSIOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF VISCERAL INFLAMMATION. 389 
inflammation of any internal organ exists, and the benefit 
may be expected to be coextensive with the cutaneous cir¬ 
culation initiated by a mild stimulus, that is to say, we should 
not be satisfied with the application of a stimulant over the 
region of the internal organ affected, as has hitherto in 
some instances been recommended, nor, in my opinion, should 
the selected stimulant be such as to inflame the dermis, 
thereby producing stasis and the concomitant reduction in 
quantity of blood circulating in the part, and withal making 
the parts tender, causing nervous irritability and discomfort 
to the invalid, conditions which should be most studiously 
avoided. But the stimulant should be such an one as can 
be applied again and again as often and as long as required, 
viz., until either the symptoms abate or the animal succumbs 
to the disease. 
All these qualities are found in cold-water packing ; 
thereby the necessary stimulus is given to the sensory nerves, 
which by reflex action cause the vessels to dilate, and that 
remarkably rapid flow of blood through them, to which 
special attention has already been directed, and a propor¬ 
tionate drain upon the inflamed viscera with contraction 
of their vessels, as shown by the accompanying increase in 
the blood pressure. 
These results are purely physiological, and therefore while 
its action continues the animal experiences from it no in¬ 
fluence except that which is beneficial; and in addition to 
these excellent qualities it possesses that of extensive appli¬ 
cation, it being practicable to apply this method at least to 
the whole of the trunk; and the limbs being bandaged, 
they of course would participate in its general curative 
influence. 
Lest some of your readers should be unaware what is 
intended to be conveyed by the term “ cold - water 
packing,” it will, perhaps, be as well to give a brief de¬ 
scription of it. 
The means whereby the cold water, or, if it is pre¬ 
ferred, very weak solution of ammonia, is applied is by bands 
of spongio-piline, which consists of felt, coated externally 
by a waterproof covering to prevent a too rapid evaporation, 
which bands should be from fifteen to eighteen inches wide, 
sufficiently long to pass quite round the body, and sufficiently 
numerous to envelop the trunk; these bands are saturated 
with water, or the solution above referred to, and the super¬ 
fluous fluid having been pressed out, applied to the body, the 
shape of which they readily take; they should be strapped 
close, and only require resoaking when approaching to dry- 
