SCHIRROUS
.—The substance or enlargement so called, is an accumulation of obstructed or extravasated lymph, becoming more and more indurated by its stagnant retention. All tumours of this description, either in MAN or beast, should be attended to in their infancy; when warm stimulants, and powerful repellents, may be expected to have a proper effect, previous to their having acquired induration; after which no hope of obliteration can be indulged, but by instrumental extirpation. From the reflection naturally arising upon which, will appear the prudent necessity of paying early attention to swellings and enlargements of every description; that nature may be assisted in her own efforts, and her indications promoted without delay. Those tumours which are hard, and seemingly insensible, not feeling pain upon pressure, are of the indurated and schirrous kind; all swellings, and enlargements, in which there is palpable heat, constant pain, and a shrinking from the touch, denote SUPPURATION, which should be promoted by means of FOMENTATIONS and POULTICES applicable to the purpose; for where there is a well encouraged formation of matter, and a good discharge, there is seldom any disappointment in the expectation of a speedy cure.