ontinues

When bleeding continues from leech-bites, and it is desirable to stop
it, apply pressure with the fingers over the part, or dip a rag in a
strong solution of alum and lay over them, or use the tincture of
sesquichloride of iron, or apply a leaf of matico to them, placing the
under surface of the leaf next to the skin, or touch each bite with a
finely-pointed piece of lunar caustic, or lay a piece of lint soaked
in the extract of lead over the bites; and if all these tried in
succession fail, pass a fine needle through a fold of the skin so as
to include the bite, and twist a piece of thread round it. Be sure
never to allow any one to go to sleep with leech-bites bleeding,
without watching them carefully; and never apply too many to children;
or place them where their bites can be compressed if necessary. In
other words, _never apply leeches to children except over a bone_.

848. After Leeches have been Used

After leeches have been used they should be placed in water containing
sixteen per cent. of salt, which facilitates the removal of the blood
they contain; and they should afterwards be placed one by one in warm
water, and the blood forced out by _gentle_ pressure. The leeches
should then be thrown into fresh water, which is to be renewed every
twenty-four hours: they may then be re-applied after an interval of
eight or ten days, and be disgorged a second time. The best plan,
however, is to empty the leech by drawing the thumb and forefinger of
the right hand along its body from the tail to the mouth, the leech
being firmly held at the sucker extremity by the fingers of the left
hand. By this means, with a few minutes' rest between each
application, the same leech may be used four or five times in
succession.

849. If a Leech be Accidentally Swallowed,

If a leech be accidentally swallowed, or by any means should get into
the body, employ an emetic, or enema of salt and water.

850. Scarification

Scarification is useful in severe contusions, and inflammation of
parts. It is performed by scratching or slightly cutting through the
skin with a lancet, holding the lancet as you would a pen when you are
ruling lines on paper.

851. Terms used to express the Properties of Medicines.

852. Absorbents

Absorbents are medicines which destroy acidity in the stomach and
bowels, such as magnesia, prepared chalk, &c.

853.