Advice to the people in general, with regard to their health

by S. A. D. Tissot

§ 452. Sprains or Wrenches, which very often happen, produce a Kind of Contusion, in the Parts adjoining to the sprained Joint. This Contusion is caused by the violent Friction of the Bone against the neighbouring Parts; and as soon as the Bones are immediately returned into their proper Situation, the Disorder should be treated as a Contusion. Indeed if the Bones should not of themselves return into their proper natural Position, Recourse must be had to the Hand of a Surgeon.

The best Remedy in this Case is absolute Rest and Repose, after applying a Compress moistened in Vinegar and Water, which is to be renewed and continued, till the Marks of the Contusion entirely disappear; and there remains not the smallest Apprehension of an Inflammation. Then indeed, and not before, a little Brandy or Arquebusade Water may be added to the Vinegar; and the Part (which is almost constantly the Foot) should be strengthened and secured for a considerable Time with a Bandage; as it might otherwise be liable to fresh Sprains, which would daily more and more enfeeble it: and if this Evil is overlooked too much in its Infancy, the Part never recovers its full Strength; and a small Swelling often remains to the End of the Patient's Life.

If the Sprain is very slight and moderate, a Plunging of the Part into cold Water is excellent; but if this is not done at once immediately after the Sprain, or if the Contusion is violent, it is even hurtful.

The Custom of rolling the naked Foot upon some round Body is insufficient, when the Bones are not perfectly replaced; and hurtful, when the Sprain is accompanied with a Contusion.

It happens continually almost that Country People, who encounter such Accidents, apply themselves either to ignorant or knavish Imposters, who find, or are determined to find, a Disorder or Dislocation of the Bones, where there is none; and who, by their violent Manner of handling the Parts, or by the Plaisters they surround them with, bring on a dangerous Inflammation, and change the Patient's Dread of a small Disorder, into a very grievous Malady.

These are the very Persons who have created, or indeed rather imagined, some impossible Diseases, such as the Opening, the Splitting of the Stomach, and of the Kidnies. But these big Words terrify the poor Country People, and dispose them to be more easily and effectually duped.

Of Ulcers.

§ 453. Whenever Ulcers arise from a general Fault of the Blood, it is impossible to cure them, without destroying the Cause and Fuel of them. It is in Fact imprudent to attempt to heal them up by outward Remedies; and a real Misfortune to the Patient, if his Assistant effectually heals and closes them.

But, for the greater Part, Ulcers in the Country are the Consequence of some Wound, Bruise, or Tumour improperly treated; and especially of such as have been dressed with too sharp, or too spirituous Applications. Rancid Oils are also one of the Causes, which change the most simple Wounds into obstinate Ulcers, for which Reason they should be avoided; and Apothecaries should be careful, when they compound greasy Ointments, to make but little at a Time, and the oftner, as a very considerable Quantity of any of them becomes rank before it is all sold; notwithstanding sweet fresh Oil may have been employed in preparing them.

§ 454. What serves to distinguish Ulcers from Wounds, is the Dryness and Hardness of the Sides or Borders of Ulcers, and the Quality of the Humour discharged from them; which, instead of being ripe consistent Matter, is a Liquid more thin, less white, sometimes yielding a disagreable Scent, and so very sharp, that if it touch the adjoining Skin, it produces Redness, Inflammation, or Pustules there; sometimes a serpiginous, or Ring-worm like Eruption, and even a further Ulceration.