It is further to be particularly observed that the inflammation attendant on a recent wound is removed by the caustic, when the same degree of inflammation at a later period, and with suppuration, would be aggravated and require the cold poultice and lotion, and render the formation of an adherent eschar impossible. This fact, the result of much experience, is extremely interesting, and, I think, not easy to be explained. It is illustrated by the following case.
Case XIX.
Robert Hill, aged 16, received a blow yesterday from a bone which was thrown at him, upon the outer condyle of the humerus. He complains of extreme pain and there are much redness and swelling. I applied the lunar caustic and directed the part to be exposed to the cold air.
On the succeeding day, I found that the eschar was quite adherent, and that the pain, redness and swelling had much subsided, although there was some stiffness of the elbow.
On the third day there was still further amendment. From this time no remedy or attention was required.
Case XX.
It frequently occurs to surgeons to receive slight wounds upon the hands which prove very troublesome. Of this kind is the following.
Mr. L.C. had an irritable and inflamed sore on the ulnar side of the third finger, occasioned by a bruise a fortnight ago. Many applications had been made during this fortnight but the sore had no disposition to heal. I applied the lunar caustic to form an adherent eschar.
From this time the pain and inflammation subsided. The eschar remained firm and adherent, and in six days separated leaving the wound healed.