A handbook of local therapeutics / edited by Harrison Allen.

Date:
1893
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A handbook of local therapeutics / edited by Harrison Allen. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    288/554 (page 276)
    The best time for the inunctions is in the evening. The patient shoul put on a flannel gown and retire without bathing. In dispensary practice, where many persons are prescribed for who are not apt to obey directions, we advise that a piece of ointment about the size of a hazelnut be smeared over the sole, after which the stocking is replaced. In subacute Synovitis, especially of the knee joint, with effusion, no remedy has met with warmer approbation than the persistent use of the ointment of mercury. Mr. Adams uses inunctions over blistered surfaces. In chronic cases the following, known as Scott's dressing, is recommended : B. Ung. hydrarg., ; camphor, gj. This prepara- tion is also known as the Cerat Hydrarg. Comp. (London Ph.) This dressing, when conjoined with firm pressure and complete rest, is often followed by excellent results. Equal parts of mercurial and belladonna ointments, spread on lint and laid over the injured surface, in the subacute and chronic stages of articular disease, is also an admirable dressing. It possesses the antiphlogistic and absorbent properties of mer- cury and also the local sedative effect of belladonna. In Peritonitis after counter-irritation has been made either with turpentine or blisters over the surface of the abdomen, much good can be obtained by covering the abdomen with the belladonna and mercury ointment. It should be spread on lint and overlaid by a hot poultice. The same treatment is applicable to Pelvic Cellulitis. In Angioleucitis following dissecting wounds the course of the inflamed lymphatics maybe covered with mercurial ointment spread on lint, the limb being placed at rest. If the invasion is along the lymphatics of the upper extremity it is well to surround the arm above the highest point of inflammation with a circular blister, one inch in width. In the treatment of Erysipelas the use of mercurial ointment is advised by Velpeau and Ricord and others, although it may be ques- tioned if it possesses advantages over other more cleanly applications that are advised. Mercurial ointment, or a combination of it with belladonna ointment, is valuable in absorbing indurations following an attack of Syphilitic Orchitis or Epididymitis. In Jaundice in the newborn baby R. A. F. Penrose advises the use of the ointment spread on the roller which is worn next to the skin. In Adenitis mercurial ointment has been used with a fair amount.of success, but, on the whole, may be con- sidered less efficient than are the preparations of iodine. Diseases of the Skin.—Metallic mercury is employed in the treat- ment of skin diseases under the form of the well-known unguentum hydrargyri. This preparation is employed in the treatment of Infantile Syphilis. A piece the size of a large hickory nut is spread upon a flannel belly-band, and renewed daily until the band becomes stiff, when a new one is employed. This is readily absorbed and affords a convenient