the
surface of the carbuncle freely by cloths laid over it, wet in the
first dilution, or by sprinkling the first trituration of the oxyde
(1-10) freely upon the open surfaces, so that it may penetrate into the
open mouths or orifices. Over this powder apply an emolient poultice, or
soft cloths wet in water hot as can be endured. This will soon allay or
greatly lessen the pain. It should be repeated as often as any of the
burning pain peculiar to the carbuncle returns, until the tumor
suppurates in a tolerably healthy manner; then lessen the strength of
the _Ars._ applications, and continue them until it has the appearance
of a healthy abscess, when only simple dressings are necessary. Some may
suppose such strong applications injurious, but I can assure them from
abundant experience, that there is not the slightest danger. The
carbuncle should _never be punctured_ or _cut into_. Such operations
always make them worse, and induce a more rapid approach to gangrene.

The patient should have nourishing food, and good native wine may be
taken in moderate quantities, by a very feeble person, with decided
advantage.

Though the knife operations for the removal of carbuncle are always
injurious, the chemical effect of _Potash_ is frequently most
beneficial. I have, in repeated instances, applied to the ulcerated
surface, _caustic potash_ freely, allowing the dissolved caustic to
penetrate to the very "core" by running into the orifices. At first it
would produce some smarting, but the pain is different from that of the
carbuncle, and the change is agreeable rather than otherwise. Soon after
the application all pain ceases, and the tumor, under the use of a
poultice, begins to slough off in a few days, leaving a raw surface,
disposed to heal kindly. Occasionally, however, the healing process is
tardy, when _Arsenicum_, at the third, applied and taken internally,
will soon effect a cure.

I have occasionally used _Hepar Sul._ with good effect in the latter
stage.

Felon--Whitlow.

For this disease, in the early stage, when the sensation is that of
sharp, sticking pain, feeling as though a brier or thistle was in the
finger, immerse the part in water as hot as possible, into which put
common salt as long as it will dissolve; hold it in this _hot_ salt bath
for an hour or more at a time, and when removed, apply finely pulverized
salt, wet in _Spirits of Turpentine_; bind on the salt with several
thicknesses, and keep it c