Part 8

Gentle pressure, accompanied with the use of cold water, is of service in the same cases in which poultices are employed; that is to say, when the action has not become perfect, but has rather begun to subside, and the granulations remain dark coloured, and in a dying state. They are absorbed, and replaced with more perfect and healthy granulations.

When, however, the action still continues in the same state of overacting, or seems to be increasing, these remedies are rather hurtful; and we will derive more benefit from using applications of a gentle stimulating nature, which restore the action to a more perfect and natural state, in the same way as they cure the inflammatio debilis. For this purpose, one of the best applications is the following:

R. Opii drachmas duas. Camphoræ scrupulum. Vini Albi uncias quatuor. Macera per triduum, dein cola.

This may be applied by means or a bit of lint to the sore. It generally produces considerable smarting for a few minute, after which the pain abates. The application is to be repeated every hour, or every two hours, until the sore begins to look healthy, and the pain abates. The adhesive plaster ought then to be substituted in its place.

Laudanum may also be employed with the same intention, but it is inferior to the other.

Lemon juice is also sometimes useful, and may be employed where the opiated wine fails, or is not at hand.

When the state of overaction becomes confirmed, and progressive, the sore spreads, becomes very painful, and assumes the appearances which have been already described. In this case, the application of carrot, or turnip poultices, is frequently useful. These vegetables are sometimes made into a poultice by boiling them, and, at other times, by rasping them down raw.

Camomile flowers, boiled in milk, and then expressed, yield a decoction, which, when made into a poultice with crumb of bread, frequently abates the pain. Sometimes the application of cloths, dipped in fine oil, give relief.

These sores are also frequently reduced to a more healthy state, by applying cloths dipped in the following mixture:

R. Ammon. Hepatizatæ[63] guttas decem. Aq. Font. uncias octo.

[63] The ammonia hepatizata is prepared by passing a stream of hepatic gas through the aqua ammoniæ.

This produces a moderate degree of smarting for a little time, during which the former painful sensation arising from the sore lessens, and does not return for some time. When the peculiar pain of the ulcer again manifests itself, the solution is again to be applied.

An ointment, consisting of two drachms of powdered opium, and one ounce of simple cerate, is also a very useful application.

Sprinkling the sore with red precipitate, or touching the surface with caustic, frequently stops the disease.

The kind of erythematous affection, which frequently affects the surrounding skin, is best removed by stimulating applications, which abate the pain or hot sensation, and make it less apt to ulcerate. The following is a very useful application for this purpose. The affected part is to be lightly dusted with it occasionally:

R. Hyd. Precip. Rub. unc. i. Pulv. Opii semiunc. Cretæ Ppt. unc. ii. Tere simul ut fiat pulvis subtiliss.

When, by any of these applications, the state of overaction is overcome, pressure is the best remedy for preserving our ground, and producing a cure; for, remedies which may be useful in the diseased state, will be hurtful when this state is removed.

In this sore, anodynes are to be freely employed internally; for, given sparingly, they do no good[64].

All the applications ought to be made gently, and lightly; because any mechanical irritation increases the disease.

[64] No external application whatever will produce the same good effect, if used by itself, as when such a general action is induced as shall co-operate with the local remedies. In slight cases, thirty drops of laudanum may be given twice a-day; but, when the overaction is more violent, the dose must be more frequently repeated.

The second variety of this species is a very troublesome ulcer, and admits, as has been already observed, of two divisions: First, it not unfrequently happens, that, after an indolent ulcer has been in a healing state for some time, a state of overaction is induced, by fatigue, or other causes, particularly by the natural inability of the newly formed, and not completely perfect granulations, to sustain the action which is necessarily induced in them by their connection with other parts (upon the principle of the communication of action). In this case, the sore becomes foul, dark coloured, and painful, whilst the cicatrix ulcerates, and the new granulations die, so that, in a short time, the ulcer regains its original size, and even spreads slowly to a greater extent. Second, an old ulcer may, without having been previously in a healing state, become converted into the overacting ulcer; because the surface has its power so weakened, that common agents, which naturally excite action in the part, excite a disproportioned and morbid action in the ulcer; but this action is of the low kind, and bears somewhat the same relation to the first species, (or overacting ulcerative action, in ulcers previously healthy,) that the inflammatio debilis does to the inflammatio valida. In this case, the surface is bloody, and the half-formed granulations are of a livid colour; the callus edges are of a dusky red, or modena colour; the integuments are generally mottled; the inferior part of the limb is cold and painful.

In the cure of the first division, we must enjoin rest, as in the second variety of the first species, and apply cloths, dipped in a mixture of two parts of laudanum and one of camphorated spirit of wine, which produces at first considerable smarting; but the sensation is different from the former pain; and, although uneasy, is yet more tolerable than the peculiar pain of the ulcer. This application ought to be renewed two or three times in the course of the day, until the surface becomes of a better appearance, and the pain abates.

The application of the powder of bark to these sores is sometimes, but very seldom, of service[65].

[65] This was probably recommended on account of the sphacelated appearance which these sores sometimes have.

A poultice, formed of decoction of camomile flowers, opium, and charcoal[66], is frequently of use, and should be employed when the laudanum and camphorated spirit fail. This should be applied cold.

[66] Let two ounces of camomile flowers be boiled in three pounds of water down to two. When this is cold, it ought to be strained, and half a drachm of opium diffused in a pound of the decoction. Of this, a sufficient quantity is to be added to powdered charcoal, in order to form a poultice.

In the second division, the fermenting poultice[67] is often of service; but it must, like all other applications, be continued no longer than the state which it was intended to remove remains. If we continue it too long, we do hurt; for, if it be kept on when it produces continued pain, it induces a state of overaction, similar to that which it was intended to destroy. Whenever the surface becomes redder, and the pain less, it may be useful to employ some other application, such as laudanum, &c.

[67] The fermenting poultice is made by adding a spoonful of yest to an oatmeal poultice, and placing it before the fire until it begins to emit air, or rise up in a bubbling way. It is then fit for applying to the sore.

The same observations apply to the use of the gastric juice. Cloths dipped in this sometimes make the overacting surface slough off, and leave the parts below more healthy. The same may be said of the expressed juice of sorrel.

Lime water sometimes operates in the same way.

Red precipitate, mixed with its weight of powdered opium, and half its weight of camphor, may be usefully sprinkled over the surface.

A pound of the recent leaves of hemlock, boiled for half an hour in two pounds of milk, and then expressed, forms an application which sometimes abates the pain, and renders the action more healthy. The juice is to be made into a poultice with crumb of bread.

Decoction of the walnut tree leaves, applied by means of pledgets of linen, or made into a poultice with bran, is occasionally of service.

When, by any of these applications, the morbid state of the ulcer is removed, it is to be dressed according to the genus into which it is then converted.

After these remarks, the treatment of this genus of ulcers may be comprised in the following observations:

First, In the first variety of the first species, or the simple fungous ulcer, the cure is to be attempted by pressure, and gentle stimulants, which render the action more natural, and the granulations, in consequence, more perfect and compact.

Second, In the second variety of this species, we are to employ the same remedies, as palliatives, or as means which may promote the exfoliation of the bone. But, if the disease in the bone be more extensive and tedious, we must cut down through the ulcer, and apply caustic, or mechanical cures, such as perforation, to the caries.

Third, In the incipient stage of the first variety of the second species, we must avoid motion, and all other such causes as tend simply to increase action. When the disease has consisted of one short paroxysm, which has terminated, we must promote the absorption of the diseased granulations, and the process of replacing them with others which are more perfect, which is effected by such remedies as render the action which forms them more natural. This is best done by gentle pressure, and sometimes by poultices. If, however, the paroxysm continue longer, but in a moderate degree, we must use such applications as tend more directly to change the action, and diminish the morbid condition; such as camphorated and opiated preparations, and sometimes the vegetable acids.

Fourth, When this state becomes confirmed and progressive, the action being violent, we must use remedies nearly similar to those which are employed in the last case, and which are useful in the cure of the inflammatio debilis, at the same time that we enjoin rest, and keep the part as easy as possible. In some instances, the action cannot be overcome directly by any application, but is rather increased by them. In this case, we must lay these aside, and use mild and light applications; such as fine oil, fresh cream, &c.; at the same time that we avoid the general causes tending to increase action; such as motion, heat, spirits, &c.

Fifth, When this state occurs in chronic ulcers, we must use such remedies as tend to remove the dead or dying granulations which frequently cover the surface, and such as at the same time produce a more natural action, and restore to the succeeding granulations greater powers and perfection, and a more healthy mode of acting. Stimulating applications frequently have this effect; such as the fermenting poultice, precipitate ointment, &c.; at other times, narcotic applications; such as cicuta, &c. are useful.

Sixth, In these ulcers, the redness and pain of the skin which surrounds the ulcer, is to be treated as the inflammatio assuefacta, by being dusted with the powder which has been already mentioned, or by similar remedies.

Seventh, In all of these ulcers, where the action is violent, much benefit will be derived from inducing the general narcotic action to a considerable extent. Anodynes are therefore to be freely administered, at the same time that we employ the proper local remedies.

Eighth, Whenever the ulcer becomes more healthy, and the action less morbid, the strength of the application is to be diminished; and, when the state of overaction is destroyed, it must be treated as the indolent ulcer, because the granulations are still feeble. Pressure is most useful in this case.

GENUS IV.

_Of the Inflammatory Ulcer._

It sometimes happens, that the ulcerative action becomes converted into the inflammatory; the discharge diminishes, and sometimes ceases; the surface is red; and the edges and surrounding skin are elevated and inflamed. This, which has been called the phlogosis ulceris[68], strictly speaking, does not belong to the division of ulcers, because the ulcerative action is destroyed; but, as it is preceded, and very quickly followed by this action, and as the solution of continuity, and other external appearances continue, this affection may be allowed to rank as a genus amongst ulcers, in conformity to common language.

[68] “Siccitas rubido et phlogosis ulceris facile cognoscuntur; dolore, pruritu, calore stipantur; ca impediunt carnis excrescentiam, adeoque indicant remedia emollientia,” &c. Sauvage Nosol. Meth. Tom. II. p. 613.

When the pain and inflammation are considerable, leeches are frequently applied with utility in the vicinity of the sore; but it is more generally useful to apply warm poultices, which restore the secretory state, and the ulcerative action.

GENUS V.

_Of the Suppurating Ulcer._

This genus, like the last, accurately speaking, does not belong to the class of ulcers; but, as it is so intimately connected with it, both in its causes, and treatment, and appearances, it is of some practical utility to admit the arrangement.

When an abscess is opened before the ulcerative action is induced, we have an open suppurating sore; but this is not the sore which is meant to be described here.

The suppurating ulcer is, when simple, and independent of any specific action, most frequently only a high degree of the overacting ulcer; but, as its symptoms are somewhat different, and as it nearly resembles some specific sores, differing from these only in the absence of the peculiar action, resulting from the application of a poison, it may be proper to consider this as a separate genus.

When the ulcerative action is very imperfectly carried on, which often arises from overaction, we find, that the organic particles are thrown out, not in the form of granulations, but in a more inorganic state, and lie upon the surface, mixed with the discharge from the other set of vessels. This has the appearance of very thick tough pus, and the sore which yields it may properly be considered to be in a suppurating state. This ulcer is distinguished by the pain which attends it, by a redness which surrounds the margin, and a hardened base, whilst the cavity of the ulcer is filled up with a thick straw-coloured substance, somewhat like lymph, which adheres firmly to the surface. This is improperly called a slough.

This appearance and condition may be excited in a simple ulcer, without any apparent application of contagion; but it is still more frequently the consequence of some morbid matter acting on the part, and producing specific ulceration, which will be afterwards considered. I may only here observe, that it has, in some of these cases, been considered as a species of gangrene, as, for instance, in the cynanche maligna; but, whatever may take place in the advanced stages of this disease, there is at first no gangrene, but a suppurating ulcer, which throws out imperfect granulations, or rather a morbid purulent discharge (for the one runs naturally into the other), which forms what is called a slough.

The treatment of this ulcer consists first in procuring a separation of the tenacious covering, by such remedies as shall, at the same time that they do this, make the action more healthy.

A pretty strong solution of the argentum nitratum, or l’eau mercurielle, diluted with equal parts of distilled water, applied by means of a brush, frequently produce the desired effect.

The acetous infusion of Cayenne pepper, applied in the same way, is likewise useful.

Poultices made of decoction of camomile flowers, and equal parts of charcoal and barley meal, are sometimes of service in removing the matter, and rendering the action more truly ulcerative.

Opiates ought to be freely administered.

When this state of the sore is removed, the ulcer must be treated according to the condition of the ulcerative action. Most frequently it belongs first to the overacting genus, and must be treated accordingly, and then to the genus of indolent ulcers, in which case, pressure is to be employed as a termination to the cure.

When an overacting ulcer has, without the assistance of local applications, ceased to overact, it not unfrequently suppurates; that is to say, no granulations are formed, but the two sets of vessels throw out an inorganic matter, and the surface of the sore has a lymphatic appearance.

The best dressing for this state is dry lint, with a pledget spread with cerate laid over it.

_Of the Effects of the Ulcerative Action on the Constitution._

The condition and qualities of an ulcer, do not, in every instance, depend upon causes which are entirely local, but frequently are connected with some general state, or mode of action, of the system. General weakness must, for example, influence the performance of any action in a particular part; and, therefore, an ulcer in those who are infirm, and exhausted, cannot readily perform the necessary healthy action, or proceed quickly toward a cure; nor is it easy, in these circumstances, by any local applications, to communicate the necessary action, and the correspondent power, which shall enable the part to heal. In the same way, there are some people so irritable, that an ulcer shall very readily assume the overacting state, which can only be removed by such remedies as act on the general system. Besides those which may be considered as simple conditions, there are many other actions, which are peculiar and unnatural, which influence the ulcer, or in which ulcers often appear as symptoms. These ulcers are specific, and must be afterwards considered.

As the state of the system has a considerable influence on the condition of an ulcer, so also has the state of the ulcerative action an effect on the constitution. A healthy ulcer, unless very extensive, has little effect on the system; but, unhealthy ulcers, or those which are very large, although the action may be sufficiently perfect, produce a greater or less degree of the general diseased formative action, or what is called hectic.

From the principles which have already been laid down, it may easily be understood how an unhealthy ulcer should induce hectic. When considering the doctrine of suppuration, the effects of this on the constitution, or the production of a general diseased formative action were attended to. It was also mentioned, when considering ulceration, that the ulcerative action had a tendency to produce similar effects; and this it does, with a certainty proportioned, cæteris paribus, to the unhealthy condition of the action, or its approximation to the suppurative action; for the less perfect that the ulcerative action is, the more nearly does it resemble the suppurative one.

Healthy ulcers, if very extensive, produce likewise considerable effects on the constitution. This is chiefly perhaps owing to the purulent action, which makes a part of the ulcerative one; for this morbid local secretory action induces a general change, in the same way as other acute changes, of either the formative action itself, or any other intimately connected with it, such as the interstitial. But, besides this cause, the granulating action, although healthy, co-operates with the diseased interstitial action, or the purulent part of the ulcerative action; because, although the granulations, or organic particles, be healthy, yet they are formed in an unnatural situation, and with greater rapidity, and in greater numbers, in a given time, than naturally they ought to be; and, therefore, the action of the part requires greater power for its continuance than is possessed. There is consequently, then, weakness produced, which, by association, affects the system, and co-operates with the diseased formative action, increasing the general disease. The consequence of this state, likewise, is, that the ulcer comes, after some time, to be rendered unhealthy, owing to the deficiency of power to support the necessary action; in which case, the granulating action comes to be also diseased, and co-operates still more with the former morbid condition of the interstitial vessels, or the purulent action, which, although a part of a healthy ulcerative action, is yet itself a morbid secretion, and an unnatural action.

The effects of the ulcerative action on the constitution, are to be alleviated by good diet, free air, and the other remedies which have been pointed out when formerly considering hectic, to which I now refer. I shall only observe, that some of these remedies are employed occasionally with little judgment, and when they are not indicated. It is, for instance, a common practice with some, to prescribe the bark for the cure of every ulcer, whether the constitution be affected or not. But, from many trials, I am confident that it is of very little service, unless when a general disease, whether it be called weakness or hectic, exists.

When the proper remedies for the cure of hectic, conjoined with necessary local applications, fail, the diseased part must be removed; but, before doing so, it is, in every instance, proper to form a pea issue, in order still to keep up a secretory action, the good effects of which have been already noticed.

The restlessness, and febrile symptoms, which are sometimes produced by painful sores, are best relieved by anodynes.

_Of the Cure of the Inflammatio Debilis, and the Treatment of Mortification._

The causes and nature of mortification having been already explained, I shall now consider the means of prevention, and the method of cure. The remedies necessary for procuring the resolution, or suppuration of the inflammatio valida, having been formerly enumerated, it will be unnecessary here to make any repetition, or to say more than that we are to prevent mortification by endeavouring to induce one or other of the other terminations, and that the remedies which do so are to be employed with a promptitude and assiduity proportioned to the greatness of the action compared to the powers of the part; and, therefore, that in the intestines, &c. we must pursue our course speedily, if we expect to prevent gangrene.

Mortification, however, is still more apt to succeed the inflammatio debilis, or inflammation of weakened parts; and, therefore, the treatment of this will now more naturally come to be considered, as forming a part of the prophylaxis of mortification, than in any other place.

The most frequent instance which we have of the inflammatio debilis, is the inflammation of parts which have been previously benumbed with cold; but it may also be produced by the action of any of the common exciting causes of inflammation, in weak and reduced habits, or by bruises in sound parts, &c.