320 THE NEW ZEALAND FAMILY HERB DOCTOR. 
to the cause is obstruction to the cutaneous blood vessels with 
some morbid matter in the blood. They generally come in 
crops, the first consideration on the appearance of one, which 
comes as a harbinger of the rest, is a preventive. There are 
two medicines reputed—Ist. The sulyhate of calcium in 
pills, one-eighth of a grain in each ; two of these taken twice 
a day is said to stop the development. This cure sometimes 
succeeds and sometimes fails. The second, which was given to 
us recently, is a small nutmeg grated fine, mixed with a little 
water, and swallowed the first thing in the morning ; miss the 
next morning, take another the third morning; miss the fourth, 
take another on the fifth ; the three will be suficient. We have 
tried this cure and it is genuine. When taken along with our 
ordinary treatment, which is the slippery elm poultice at 
bedtime, the discutient ointment through the day, with the 
blood purifiers ; and last, but not least, if you want to be rid of 
them soon, a course of medicine. 
CARBUNCLES 
Resemble boils, but usually area much severer trouble. When * 
carefully examined, it will be seen that there are three white 
spots in the core, while the boil has but one. The inflamed 
base is much larger, and the suppurative process slower, while 
the constitutional disturbance is greater. The tumours may 
vary in size from a watch to a plate. Its appearance 1s 
generally of a dulllivid colour. As it advances, the suppurating 
tops appear, break, and discharge a thin mattery fluid, 
sometimes tinged with blood. The pain is of a burning, 
tingling kind, accompanied, if a severe case, with fever ot a 
typhoid character. This disease, in its grave forms, seldom 
attacks the young, the majority of cases being those who have 
lived luxuriously and are of a gouty tendency. Sometimes,. 
however, it will be found in poor and ill-nourished subjects. 
Treatment : Attend to the condition of health, that is see to the 
blood, stomach, bowels, and kidneys. A Thompsonian course,, 
being the greatest cleanser of the system, ought to be taken. 
The yeast poultice (see index) should be kept applied till the 
