That ‘poudrette’ is, however, occasionally liable to set up fermentation seems undeniable; and when this is the case, and large quantities of poudrette are stored within a small space, serious consequences may ensue.
Parent Duchâtelet cites the case of a vessel carrying poudrette to Guadaloupe, in which half the crew died, and the remainder were in a very low state of health on the arrival of the vessel at Guadaloupe, owing, as he affirms, to the exhalations given off by the poudrette.
POUL′TICE. Syn. Cataplasm; Cataplasma, L. An external application, generally extemporaneous, used to promote suppuration, allay pain and inflammation, resolve tumours, &c.
Poultices (cataplasmata) are generally prepared with substances capable of absorbing much water, and assuming a pulpy consistence, so as to admit of their application to any surface, however irregular. Their curative action principally depends upon the liquids with which they are moistened, and the heat retained by the mass. With this object they should never be heavy or very bulky, and should be frequently repeated, and lightly, but securely, bandaged on, to prevent displacement.
The addition of a little lard, olive oil, or, still better, glycerin, to a poultice, tends greatly to promote its emollient action, and to retard its hardening.
As the continued medication of the part with warmth and moisture, or with substances applied in the moist way, is the principal object to be attained in the application of poultices, a fold or two of lint or soft linen dipped in hot water, either simple or medicated, and covered with a piece of thin sheet gutta percha or india-rubber cloth, to prevent evaporation, may be often conveniently applied in their stead. A very elegant and useful substitute of this kind is sold under the name of ‘spongio piline.’ Its cleanliness, lightness, and ease of application has led to its extensive adoption by the medical profession.
The following formulæ embrace all the cataplasma of the Pharmacopœias:—
Poultice of Al′um. Syn. Cataplasma aluminis, L. Prep. (B. P., Ph. D. 1826.) Alum (in powder), 1 dr.; whites of 2 eggs; shake them together until they form a coagulum. Applied, between the folds of fine linen, to chilblains, sore nipples, inflamed eyes, &c.
Poultice, Anodyne. (P. Cod.) Syn. Cataplasma anodynum. Prep. Poppy heads, 1 oz.; dried leaves of henbane, 2 oz.; water, 24 oz. Boil, strain, and add to the liquor 4 oz. of emollient meals, to form a poultice.
Poultice, Antiseptic. (Fr. Hosp.) Syn. Cataplasma antisepticum. Prep. Barley flour, 6 oz.; powdered Peruvian bark, 1 oz.; water, q. s. Boil and, when cool enough, add camphor in powder, 1 dr.