lthy edges of ulcers,
&c., it is invaluable; and as an application to bed sores, pencilled
over with a solution of the same strength, and in the same manner as
for erysipelas.

_Caution_.--It is a poison.

781. Solution of Chloride of Zinc,

Solution of Chloride of Zinc, more commonly known as Sir William
Burnett's "Disinfecting Fluid," is a valuable escharotic in
destroying the parts of poisoned wounds, such as the bite of a mad
dog. It is also very useful in restoring the hair after the scalp has
been attacked with ringworm; but its use requires extreme caution, as
it is a powerful escharotic. In itch, diluted (one part to thirty-two)
with water, it appears to answer very well.

_Caution_.--It is a most powerful poison.

782. Mechanical Remedies.

These comprise anthelmintics, demulcents, diluents, and emollients.

783. Anthelmintics.

These are medicines given for the purpose of expelling or destroying
worms. They are cowhage, scammony, male fern root, calomel, gamboge,
tin, and turpentine.

784. Cowhage

Cowhage is used to expel the round worm, which it does by wounding it
with the fine prickles.

_Dose_ of the confection, for a child three or four years old, a
teaspoonful early, for three mornings, followed by a dose of castor
oil. (_See par_ 491.)

The mechanical anthelmintics are strictly confined to those agents
which kill the worm in the body by piercing its cuticle with the sharp
darts or spiculae of the cowhage hairs, or the fine metallic points of
powdered tin (_pulvis stanni_). When these drops are employed, they
should be given in honey or treacle for ten or fifteen days, and an
aperient powder every fourth morning, to expel the killed worms.

[TO-DAY, HE HAS DELUSIVE DREAMS OF HEAVEN.]

785. Male Fern Root

Male Fern Root is a powerful anthelmintic, and an astringent. It is
used to kill tapeworm.

_Dose_, three drachms of the powdered root mixed in a teacupful of
water, to be taken in the morning while in bed, and followed by a
brisk purgative two hours afterwards; or from a tablespoonful to a
wineglassful, according to age, to be taken early in the morning.
(_See par 569_).

786. Gamboge

Gamboge is a powerful drastic and anthelmintic.

It is _used internally_ in dropsy, and for the expulsion of tapeworm;
but its use requires caution, as it is an irritant poison.

_Dose_, from two to six