Note 10 — PART FIRST. OF INFLAMMATION. (continued 3)

[The treatment of this affection must be chiefly of a local nature, although it may sometimes be necessary to resort to constitutional means, especially mercurial purgatives. When dependent upon a gouty or rheumatic state of the system, the different preparations of colchicum may be exhibited with a prospect of advantage, as also the hydriodate of potash in large doses. As a local remedy, blistering is by far the most prompt and effectual, and worth all the liniments and unguents that have ever been devised. The discharge from the vesicated surface may be maintained by savin or tartar emetic ointment; or, what is preferable, the fly may be reapplied as soon as the sore becomes dry. The operation of the blister should be aided with a bandage and a piece of oiled silk, or strips of adhesive plaster, to support the distended ligaments. Should these means fail, or the accumulation be so great as to impede the motions of the joint, and render it probable that absorption cannot take place, a small valvular incision may be made into the most dependent situation of the swelling, to draw off the fluid. Such a step, however, although justifiable under the circumstances here indicated, should not be taken without due reflection.—ED.]