It may be observed, that the lunar caustic may be regarded, almost without further trial, as an effectual preventive of those cases of irritative fever which arise from local injuries, and probably of the effects of poisoned wounds in general. I would not, however, in the latter cases, fail to render "sure doubly sure" by free excision.

Might not an adherent eschar be easily formed in those cases of compound fracture in which the external wound is of moderate size, so as effectually to exclude the external air and prevent cutaneous inflammation, and in more respects than one, to reduce the case to the state of a simple fracture? This object, if attained, would be important indeed, and I hope the suggestion will be submitted to the most assiduous and cautious trial.

I can have no doubt that the use of the lunar caustic admits of being still further extended; and, as I intend to pursue the inquiry, I hope at some future period to publish something more worthy of the attention of the medical public. In the mean time, the plans hereafter suggested must not be adopted without that degree of care, attention, and perseverance, which are obviously necessary to render them successful.

CONTENTS.

[CHAPTER I.]PAGE
ON HEALING BY ESCHAR1
I.Of the Adherent Eschar[3]
II.Of the Unadherent Eschar[14]
III.On the Treatment by Eschar and Poultice[21]
[CHAPTER II.]
OF THE APPLICATION OF THESE MODES OF TREATMENT TO DIFFERENT CASES24
I.Of Punctures, Bites, &c[24]
II.Of Bruised Wounds[64]
III.Of Ulcers[82]
IV.Of some Anomalous cases[120]
[CHAPTER III.]
OF SOME CASES IN WHICH THE CAUSTIC IS INAPPLICABLE130