work of insects, according to
the theory of Linnaeus, who ascribes the itch and dysentery to microscopic
animalcula. These animalcula are probably the effect, and not the cause, of
these eruptions; as they are to be seen in all putrescent animal fluids.
The annular propagation of the ring-worm, and its continuing to enlarge its
periphery, is well accounted for by the acrimony of the ichor or saline
fluid eroding the skin in its vicinity.

M. M. Cover the eruption daily with ink. With white mercurial ointment, as
described above in herpes. With solution of white vitriol ten grains to an
ounce. These metallic calces stimulate the absorbents into stronger action,
whence the fluid has its saline part reabsorbed, and that before it has
access to the air, which probably adds to its acrimony by oxygenating it,
and thus, producing a new acid.

11. _Tinea._ Scald head. This contagious eruption affects the roots of the
hair, and is generally most virulent around the edges of the hair on the
back part of the head; as the corona veneris appears most on the edges of
the hair on the forepart of the head; for in these parts the eruption about
the roots of the hair is most exposed to the external air, by which its
acrimony or noxious quality is increased.

The absorption of the matter thus oxygenated swells the lymphatics of the
neck by its stimulus, occasioning many little hard lumps beneath the seat
of the eruption; when this happens, the sooner it is cured the better, lest
the larger lymphatics of the neck should become affected.

M. M. The art of curing these eruptions consists, first, in abating the
inflammation, and consequent secretion of a noxious material. Secondly, to
prevent its access to the air, which so much increases its acrimony. And
thirdly, to promote the absorption of it, before it has been exposed to the
air; for these purposes venesection once, and gentle cathartics, which
promote absorption by emptying the blood-vessels. Next poultices and
fomentations, with warm water, abate inflammation by diluting the saline
acrimony of the secreted fluid, and abating the painful sensation.
Afterwards cerate joined with some metallic calx, as of zinc or lead, or
solution of lead, mercury, or copper, or iron, which may stimulate the
absorbent system into stronger action.

Cover the shaved head with tar and suet, and a bladder; this, by keeping
the air from the secreted fluid, much contributes to its mildness, and the
stimulu