advisable not to cut the blisters which may be formed, as they
protect the true skin under them; but, if the base of the blister
shows symptoms of inflammation, it is as well to evacuate the
contents, but, even then, to do it by means of a small prick,
and to leave the skin on, so that it may protect the raw surface
from the air. The black char of skin that is sometimes left
should be poulticed with bread, or linseed meal and bread, till
the slough separates. When this has taken place, there is left
a surface of what appear to be little mounds of flesh, and these
give out a discharge of matter. They are called granulations,
and are the commencements of the process of healing. At
times these granulations grow very rapidly and abundantly,
rising above the level of the adjacent skin. This is what is
commonly meant by "proud flesh." Their growth may be
checked by gently touching them with stick of nitrate of silver,
and dressing the surface with oxide of zinc ointment. Burns
between the fingers, or in any place where two contiguous sur-'
faces are likely to come in contact, should be separately dressed,
and great care should be taken to keep the granulating surfaces
apart, or they may grow together and produce deformity.
Opiates. — If there be much pain, it will be advisable to
give opium, in the form of the tincture, as it will also allay ner-
vous excitement. Tincture of opium, lo minims; water, one
teaspoonful every four hours. This dose, it should be borne
in mind, is for an adult person.
Burns from Chemicals. — The destructive chemicals most
likely to produce these accidents aresulpliuric acid, or oil of
vitrol; nitric acid, or aqua fortis; ammonia, and hydrofluoric
acid; strong carbolic acid, and chloride of zinc. In cases of
burns from any of these the parts should be well washed with
water, in which a little bicarbonate of soda is dissolved, or soap
and water in the case of the acids. Afterwards treat as in a
case of inflammatory ulcer or ordinary burn.
Gunpowder Burns. — Explosions of gunpowder cause de-
struction of skin, and resemble burns or scalds in their effects.
They should be treated in the same manner as burns, first re-
moving particles of carbon by means of a soft sponge and warm
water.
The diet, in severe burns, should be supporting. Some
stimulant is usually advisable.
Cold. — Either one or other of the following remedies is
likely to succeed. Put twenty to thirty, or even thirty-five,
according to age and strength, drops of laudanum in a tumbler
of cold water. You can add a few drops of peppermint or
half a glass of sherry to take away the nasty taste; but the effect
of the laudanum is just the same. Sip it slowly for an hour or
MEDICINAL. 307
an hour and a half before going to bed, as if it were wine, and
as if you liked it. Do not go out again the same night, but go
to bed pretty early. The chances are you will be perfectly
well in the morning.
Page 217
Presented as published in 1883. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
AI-modernized reading of the original text
advisable not to cut the blisters which may be formed, as they protect the true skin under them; but, if the base of the blister shows symptoms of inflammation, it is as well to evacuate the contents, but, even then, to do it by means of a small prick, and to leave the skin on, so that it may protect the raw surface from the air. The black char of skin that is sometimes left should be poulticed with bread, or linseed meal and bread, till the slough separates. When this has taken place, there is left a surface of what appear to be little mounds of flesh, and these give out a discharge of matter. They are called granulations, and are the commencements of the process of healing. At times these granulations grow very rapidly and abundantly, rising above the level of the adjacent skin. This is what is commonly meant by "proud flesh." Their growth may be checked by gently touching them with stick of nitrate of silver, and dressing the surface with oxide of zinc ointment. Burns between the fingers, or in any place where two contiguous sur-' faces are likely to come in contact, should be separately dressed, and great care should be taken to keep the granulating surfaces apart, or they may grow together and produce deformity.
Opiates. — If there be much pain, it will be advisable to give opium, in the form of the tincture, as it will also allay nervous excitement. Tincture of opium, lo minims; water, one teaspoonful every four hours. This dose, it should be borne in mind, is for an adult person.
Burns from Chemicals. — The destructive chemicals most likely to produce these accidents aresulpliuric acid, or oil of vitrol; nitric acid, or aqua fortis; ammonia, and hydrofluoric acid; strong carbolic acid, and chloride of zinc. In cases of burns from any of these the parts should be well washed with water, in which a little bicarbonate of soda is dissolved, or soap and water in the case of the acids. Afterwards treat as in a case of inflammatory ulcer or ordinary burn.
Gunpowder Burns. — Explosions of gunpowder cause destruction of skin, and resemble burns or scalds in their effects. They should be treated in the same manner as burns, first removing particles of carbon by means of a soft sponge and warm water.
The diet, in severe burns, should be supporting. Some stimulant is usually advisable.
Cold. — Either one or other of the following remedies is likely to succeed. Put twenty to thirty, or even thirty-five, according to age and strength, drops of laudanum in a tumbler of cold water. You can add a few drops of peppermint or half a glass of sherry to take away the nasty taste; but the effect of the laudanum is just the same. Sip it slowly for an hour or
an hour and a half before going to bed, as if it were wine, and as if you liked it. Do not go out again the same night, but go to bed pretty early. The chances are you will be perfectly well in the morning.