INFLAMMATION OF GLANDS.
There are numerous glandular bodies distributed over the animal structure. Those to which the reader's attention is called are, first, the parotid, situated beneath the ear; secondly, the sub-lingual, beneath the tongue; lastly, the sub-maxillary, situated just within the angle of the jaw. They are organized similarly to other glands, as the kidneys, &c., possessing arteries, veins, lymphatics, &c., which terminate in a common duct. They have also a ramification of nerves, and the body of the gland has its own system of arterial vessels and absorbents, which are enclosed by a serous membrane. They produce a copious discharge of fluid, called saliva. Its use is to lubricate the mouth, thereby preventing friction; also to lubricate the food, and assist digestion.
Inflammation of either of these glands may be known by the heat, tenderness, enlargement, and difficulty of swallowing. They are usually sympathetically affected, as in hoose, catarrh, influenza, &c., and generally resume their natural state when these maladies disappear.
Treatment.—In the inflammatory stage, warm teas of marshmallows, or slippery elm, and poultices of the same, are the best means yet known to reduce it; they relax constricted or obstructed organs, and by being directly applied to the parts affected, the more speedily and effectually is the object accomplished. Two or three applications of some relaxing poultice will be all that is needed; after which, apply
| Olive oil, or goose grease, | 1 gill. |
| Spirits of camphor, | 1 ounce. |
| Oil of cedar, | 1 ounce. |
| Vinegar, | half a gill. |
Mix.
Another.
| Pyroligneous acid, | 2 ounces. |
| Beef's gall, | 1 gill. |
| Cayenne, | 1 tea-spoonful. |
To be rubbed around the throat as occasion may require. All hard or indigestible food will be injurious.