y article, and
of those referred to in it, should be read _before_ beginning any
treatment.

PAPERS ON HEALTH.

Abscess.--Let us suppose a swelling appears on some part of the body or
limbs, but that there is no discoloration or symptom of the gathering
of the dead material beneath it. If it be cut open, a wound is made
which is often very difficult to heal. Avoid then, _cutting_ in such
cases. If the swelling develops under FOMENTATION (_see_), the uncut
flesh through which it will then break will be in a better state
eventually for healing than if cut. Where corrupt matter is clearly
present, and in seeking an outlet is endangering the surrounding
healthy tissue, the cutting open of the swelling will, on the other
hand, greatly relieve, and conduce to a more speedy cure. This is best
performed by a thoroughly good surgeon. Thorough syringing of the
cavity from which the matter comes out (_see_ Wounds, Syringing) is the
best means of cure, aided by thorough heating of the swelling and
surrounding parts with moist heat for an hour or more twice a day. This
heating must embrace a large part of the limb or body, as the case may
be. If the trouble be on the hip or groin, the armchair FOMENTATION
(_see_) should be employed. Other parts should be treated on the same
liberal principle of heating (_see_ Fomentation).

Rich diet is extremely hurtful. Egg switched in cream, rum, brandy, and
such things are to be carefully avoided. Alcoholic liquors are
especially fatal. _See_ Alcohol; Assimilation; Diet; Drinks: Foods,
etc.

Oatmeal jelly (_see_ Food in Illness), wheaten meal porridge, Saltcoats
biscuits (_see_ Biscuits and Water), form the best nutrients in such
cases. These are really much stronger diet than the egg, brandy, etc.

If the abscess be in the foot or leg, with indications of diseased
bone, the leg should be bathed in hot water up to the knee. Dissolve a
piece of M'Clinton's soap in the water used, and let it be as hot as
can be borne. After drying, rub the limb gently yet firmly with olive
oil for five minutes. Dress with oil, lint, and a proper bandage.

We have seen a limb which threatened the very life of the patient
treated as above. The general symptoms abated almost immediately;
growth, as well as healing, set in, and the limb was quite restored to
its normal condition. But patient persistence in treatment is needed
for a bad case.

If under bathing or fomentation the abscess seems to swell,