Note 55 — Chapter XIII

This Practice which I had heard of, and even suggested to myself, but never seen actually enterprized, seems so very rational as highly to deserve a fair Trial in the confluent Degrees of the Small-Pocks [for in the distinct it can scarcely be necessary] wherein every probable Assistance should be employed, and in which the most potent Medicines are very often unsuccessful. We have but too many Opportunities of trying it sufficiently; and it certainly has a more promising Aspect than a Practice so highly recommended many Years ago, of covering all the Pustules (which is sometimes the whole Surface of the Patient) in Melilot, or suppose any other suppurating, Plaister; which will effectually prevent all Perspiration, and greatly increase the Soreness, Pain and Embarrassment of the Patient, at the Height of the Disease. I can conceive but one bad Consequence that might possibly sometimes result from the former; but this (besides the Means that may be used to avert it) is rather remote, and so uncertain, until the Trial is repeatedly made, that I think it ought not to be named, in Competition with the Benefits that may arise from it in such Cases, as seem, otherwise, too generally irrecoverable. K.