809. Poultices
Poultices are usually made of linseed meal, oatmeal, or bread, either combined with water or other fluids; sometimes they are made of carrots, charcoal, potatoes, yeast, and linseed meal, mustard, &c., but the best and most economical kind of poultice is a fabric made of sponge and wool felted together, and backed by Indian rubber, called "spongio piline."
The method of using this poultice is as follows:— A piece of the material of the required form and size is cut off, and the edges are pared or bevelled off with a pair of scissors, so that the caoutchouc may come in contact with the surrounding skin, in order to prevent evaporation of the fluid used; for, as it only forms the vehicle, the various poultices generally used can be employed with much less expenditure of time and money, and increased cleanliness.
For example,—a
vinegar
poultice is made by moistening the fabric with distilled vinegar; an
alum
poultice, by using a strong solution of alum; a
charcoal
poultice, by sprinkling powdered charcoal on the moistened surface of the material; a