| 2. | Wormwood dried, and camomile flowers of each | 4 oz. |
| Rue | 3 oz. | |
| Bay leaves | 2 oz. |
Boil them for one hour in a gallon of water.
The efficacy of a fomentation depends on its being properly applied: therefore, the liquid should be only as hot as the part can bear without pain. Large flannel cloths should be dipped into the fomentation, lightly wrung out, and spread over the affected part, and be renewed before they become cold; this ought to be continued for half an hour at least, and repeated three or four times a day.
Emollient fomentation is adapted to inflamed swellings, from whatever cause they may arise; and, in the absence of others, warm water alone will be found an useful substitute.
Warm water, if used assiduously, and at a proper temperature, is an excellent fomentation. In inflammation of the eye, it should not be above 98°; in inflamed and painful swellings it should seldom exceed 100°. In strains of the back sinews, vinegar is preferable; and as the injury is deeply seated, the fomentation may be applied hotter.
When employed for inflammation of the bowels, it should be still hotter, so hot, indeed, that the hand cannot feel it without pain. The best mode of application is by a long piece of woollen cloth, with the ends joined, that it may be wrung out of the boiling liquor by placing a stick through each end. When thus applied, it may be called a steam fomentation. A man on either side the horse is required to apply this fomentation effectually. Where the injury is not extensive, the fomentation may be applied with a large sponge, or a thick woollen cloth, or old rug or blanket.—White.
Foot, s. The part upon which we stand; that by which any thing is supported; the base; a measure containing twelve inches.
Forage, s. Search of provisions; provisions sought abroad; provisions in general; food for horses.
Forceps, s. Properly signifies a pair of tongs, but is used for an instrument in chirurgery to extract any thing out of wounds.
Ford, s. A shallow part of a river.