SECT. VII.
Of Burning
This is of the same nature with scalding, but is liable to become more pernicious, in proportion to the bulk and heat of the body that does the mischief. If it is slight, the treatment is equal with the former; but if it has penetrated deeper, it follows, that the inflammation is greater, and consequently the treatment requires more care.
If the sore so burned is deep, and thence an eschar in the parts, digestive medicines should be applied. It will not be amiss to put a little Mercurial ointment (P) in the poultice. If the inflammation is very great, Bleeding, and other methods requisite to prevent a fever, should be observed. In general, the ointment No. [III]. will ever be found Efficacious.
SECT. VIII.
Of Drowning
A Man who unfortunately falls over board, and is taken up for drowned (immediately) should not be given up for lost. As this is a circumstance of the utmost consequence to a sea-faring man, I shall think my time well rewarded in explaining the method of recovery contributing to the preserving the life of my fellow creature.
There are different ways of drowning; and according to the nature of the accident, the probability of recovery is founded.
A man, before he comes into the water, may receive an unlucky blow, that will not only stun him, but make him expire his breath (which is generally the case in high falls) as before observed. In this case his senses are benumm’d, and by the inspiration apt to draw in a quantity of water into his lungs instead of air; thence, both from the blow, and from the total stoppage of respiration, he may have some blood vessels burst, both in the lungs and in the brains, whereby he is instantly irrecoverably dead, beyond all hopes. In this case it may happen, that either way, separately, is enough to kill him.