may eliminate
the very cause of the inflammation; which may have been taken up by the
absorbents, and still continue in the mouths of the lymphatics or their
glands. The patient should then be induced to swallow some aperient liquid,
an infusion of senna, so as to induce three or four evacuations. Gargles of
all kinds are rather hurtful, as the action of using them is liable to give
pain to the inflamed parts; but the patients find great relief from
frequently holding warm water in their mouths, and putting it out again, or
by syringing warm water into the mouth, as this acts like a warm bath or
fomentation to the inflamed part. Lastly, some mild stimulant, as a weak
solution of salt and water, or of white vitriol and water, may be used to
wash the fauces with in the decline of the disease, to expedite the
absorption of the new vessels, if necessary, as recommended in ophthalmy.

_Tonsillitis superficialis._ Inflammation of the surface of the tonsils. As
the tonsils and parts in their vicinity are covered with a membrane, which,
though exposed to currents of air, is nevertheless constantly kept moist by
mucus and saliva, and is liable to diseases of its surface like other
mucous membranes, as well as to suppuration of the internal substance of
the gland; the inflammation of its surface is succeeded by small elevated
pustules with matter in them, which soon disappears, and the parts either
readily heal, or ulcers covered with sloughs are left on the surface.

This disease is generally attended with only sensitive fever, and therefore
is of no danger, and may be distinguished with great certainty from the
dangerous inflammation or gangrene of the tonsils at the height of the
small-pox, or scarlet fever, by its not being attended with other symptoms
of those diseases. One emetic and a gentle cathartic is generally
sufficient; and the frequent swallowing of weak broth, or gruel, both
without salt in them, relieves the patient, and absolves the cure. When
these tumours of the tonsils frequently return I have sometimes suspected
them to originate from the absorption of putrid matter from decaying teeth.
See Class I. 2. 3. 21. and II. 2. 2. 1.

_Tonsillitis inirritata._ Inflammation of the tonsils with sensitive
inirritated fever is a symptom only of contagious fever, whether attended
with scarlet eruption, or with confluent small-pox, or otherwise. The
matter of contagion is generally diffused, not dissolved in the air; and