376. An excellent Styptic.—The outside woof of silk-worms has been tried with great success by several people, more especially by a lady, who, in mending a pen, cut her thumb to the bone, and through part of the nail; it bled profusely; but, by trying this styptic, and binding up the wound, the hemorrhage stopped, and the wound healed in three days.
377. A new and useful Styptic.—Take brandy, or common spirit, two ounces; Castile soap, two drachms; potash, one drachm; scrape the soap fine, and dissolve it in the brandy; then add the potash, and mix it well together, and keep it close stopped from the air in a phial. When you apply it, warm it in a vessel, or dip pledges of lint into it, and the blood will immediately congeal. It operates by coagulating the blood, both a considerable way within the vessels, as well as the extravasated blood without, and restraining, at the same time, the mouths of the vessels.
It forms a valuable embrocation, in cases of tumors or swellings from bruises, by being frequently rubbed on the part. It is also used in a similar manner for rheumatic pains.
378. To prevent Wounds from mortifying.—Sprinkle sugar on them. The Turks wash fresh wounds with wine, and sprinkle sugar on them. Obstinate ulcers may be cured with sugar dissolved in a strong decoction of walnut leaves.
379. To cure Ring-worms.—Dissolve borax in water, and apply it at first, it will produce a burning sensation and redness; it should then be discontinued for a few days, and being resumed, the ring-worm will soon disappear.
To sponge the head daily with vinegar and water, in the proportion of half a pint of vinegar to a pint and a half of water, will prevent or cure ring-worms.