I am enabled to mitigate even these little evils of human
life.

In these prefatory observations, however, I would suggest the question
whether the caustic may not be employed with benefit even in some of
the severer diseases to which the human frame is liable. Indeed I
consider the investigation as only just begun, and many other uses of
the lunar caustic, besides those detailed in the following pages, have
suggested themselves to me.

May not the caustic, for instance, be of greater efficacy, because of
greater power and of quicker operation, than ordinary blisters, in
some internal diseases?

It is repeatedly stated hereafter, that the application of the lunar
caustic is a means, in certain circumstances, of subduing external
inflammation. Might it not, on this principle, be of service in the
treatment of some of the internal phlegmasiae?

It may be observed, that the lunar caustic may be regarded, almost
without further trial, as an effectual preventive of those cases of
irritative fever which arise from local injuries, and probably of the
effects of poisoned wounds in general. I would not, however, in the
latter cases, fail to render "sure doubly sure" by free excision.

Might not an adherent eschar be easily formed in those cases of
compound fracture in which the external wound is of moderate size, so
as effectually to exclude the external air and prevent cutaneous
inflammation, and in more respects than one, to reduce the case to the
state of a simple fracture? This object, if attained, would be
important indeed, and I hope the suggestion will be submitted to the
most assiduous and cautious trial.

I can have no doubt that the use of the lunar caustic admits of being
still further extended; and, as I intend to pursue the inquiry, I hope
at some future period to publish something more worthy of the
attention of the medical public. In the mean time, the plans hereafter
suggested must not be adopted without that degree of care, attention,
and perseverance, which are obviously necessary to render them
successful.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.
PAGE
ON HEALING BY ESCHAR 1

I. _Of the Adherent Eschar_ 3
II. _Of the Unadherent Eschar_ 14
III. _On the Treatment by Eschar and Poultice_ 21

CHAPTER II.

OF THE APPLICATI