THE
MEDICAL GUIDE.
The following pages are intended to suggest safe and useful hints regarding the more common diseases, and, in the absence of the Physician, may, under the Divine blessing, be the means of relieving much distress, perhaps of saving life. Medical advice ought, however, to be taken, in all possible cases, at the commencement of any disease, or on the occurrence of any accident which threatens anything like serious consequences.
ABSCESS or BEALING.
Causes.—Internal inflammatory action, foreign bodies, diseased bone, &c.
Symptoms.—Cold shivering, throbbing pain, and sense of fulness in affected part.
Treatment.—Heat applied externally; as fomentations with hot water, linseed meal and hemlock poulitices.
Observations.—After the matter is thoroughly formed, which is known by the elastic softness of the part, it ought to be punctured at the most prominent part, so as to evacuate it, and again apply the poultice for a day or two. Purgative medicines ought not to be employed during the suppurative stage, but are proper after tho matter is evacuated. The diet ought to be light until matter is formed, but afterwards more generous. When there is the appearance of the party sinking after the abscess is opened, a little wine negus is proper.
