On the immediate signs of these symptoms, bleeding must be had recourse to; and if the inflammation is great, and the pain pungent, it must be repeated; though with skilful management. Bleeding may be repeated after the first twenty-four hours; yet in general it is needless, and sometimes dangerous; for my own part, I never approved of it; nor have I seen any necessity for it. Perspiration however should be promoted.
If the pain is violent, let the patient use the following medicine.
No. XLI
Take sweet Spirit of Nitre (D) twenty drops; Spirit of Wine and Camphor (A) ten drops; Fever Powder (L) one scruple; mix it up with sugar and water into a draught.
Let the patient take this every six hours; if there is a great nausea at the stomach, a small vomit of twelve grains of Ipecacuanha, (S) may be given first, notwithstanding it is great pain to the patient; and I have often known it productive of great good, and laid the first foundation to a successful cure.
If the pain still continues, twelve drops of liquid laudanum (T) may be added to the above draught; No. [XLI]. If the spirits of the patient is low, give the essential oil of Peppermint (U) to the quantity of three or four, or six drops upon a lump of sugar, either put, into the draught above-mentioned, or give it by itself occasionally.
To the inflamed side, warm cloths may be put wrapt up with a hot made trencher, brick, a bag of sand, or whatever will retain heat; as that will greatly facilitate the internal resolution.
Perspiration is the principal object to be considered in this acute disease, and should therefore be promoted; but every thing forcing that produces profuse sweats should be avoided, as that only encreases the fever.
If the patient is very restless, the fever depressed, and greatly oppressed in respiration, blisters may be applied; but if the patient can do without them, it is much better; as they very often are apt to encrease the inflammation.
Cooling clysters, No. [XXXII]. which at the same time promote urine, is of singular service; and in every respect methods must be taken, as have been directed in fevers, and the ulcerated sore throat; as all these inflammatory diseases are of one nature, and require almost one method of treatment. For farther particulars on this head, see my treatise on diseases of the lungs.