INF Where the inflammation is vio- lent, the usual practice is to take l^rge quantities of blood from the ptstient ; but, in common cases, small loc il bleedings, by means of a few leeches, are fully sufficient. Considerable benefit will also be derived from the application of emollient poultices, prepared with bread, milk, and cold-drawn lin- seed oil. The maternal milk may likewise be extraifted at intervals, and the breast suspended by means of proper bandages. In some re- cent cases, a solution of sal ammo- niac has been externally applied "wiih success. If the inflammation continue, it will be requisite to persevere in the use of emollient cataplasms and fomentations : but, as the complaint is of a delicate nature, it will al- "vj'ays be advisable to resort to pro- per medical assistance. Inflammation of the Ear, or Otitis, a painful aft^edion of the cavity of the ear, which is some- times consequent on the Mumps, but is more frequently occasioned by exposure to cold. In slight cases, this atfeftion may be remov- ed by dropping a little warm oil of
- almonds into the ear, and by the
aj)plication of a common poultice of bread and milk, or of a bag of chamomile flowers 5 either of which ought to be made sufhciently ^'arm. Should the disorder, however, not yield to these remedies, surgical a.-)Sistance ought to be procured ■without delay; lest a suppuration take place, and be attended with total loss of the organ of tiearing. Inflammation op the Eye, or OphthaLinia, an uncommon red- ness of, and acute pain in the part ailecled ; an inability to bear the light ; and involuntary shedding of tears. INF [ir This malad)' is often occasioned by external injuries, such as blows, burns, bruises, and the like. It also arises from splinters, dust, sand, . lime, acrid fluids, or other extra- neous substances insinuating them- selves under the eye-lids ; from af- fections of the teeth ; the suppres- sion of evacuations ; the precipitate healing of old ulcers ; and long ex- posure to the night air. Peculiarities : Inflammations of the eye are frequently annual ; and instances have occurred, in which theyrelurned at stated periods, and even became chronical : they are fartiier contagious, and may be caught by mere intuition of the ophtlialmia in others. Method of Cure: When t'le dis- ease is of a mild nature, it will be useful to put leeches to the temple of the eye alfefted, in a number proportioned to the age and strength of the patient : after the bleeding- has ceased, a blister may be applied, and brisk purgatives given. To ob- viate the mischief arising from the use of quack medicine-), such as lotions, &c. we shall brieliy ob- serve, that there is no better colly- num tlian simple rose-water. Be- side these remedies, much benefit has been recf ived from shaving the head, or cutting the hdir; from bathing the feet and legs fre(iuently in M'aim water; and, where the inflamaiation succeeds the small- pox, from applying infusions of marsh-mallows with sal ammoniac to the inflamed parts. I;, cases of pei-iodical ophthalmia, emetics have been of eminent service, and in some instances completely removed t:ie complaint; but, if it have arisen from particles of iron accidentallv dropped into the ej-e, they may be easily extracted by means of the magnet, and thus the disease <:liecked
