es of the lymphatics of
the skin, and by them rapidly imbibed and circulated through the
system. Thus arsenic applied to the cutaneous vessels, and strong
solutions of opium to extensive burns, have been absorbed in
quantities sufficient to poison the patient.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

407. Why should the stomach be supplied with food of a nutrient and
digestible character? What is said of the use of alcohol, or tobacco,
in preventing the introduction of the poisonous matter of contagious
diseases? 408. Why should the clothing and bed-linen be frequently
washed? What suggestion to persons in visiting the unhealthy districts
of the South and West? 409. When is cutaneous absorption most
vigorous? Why?

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

410. _When the cuticle is only punctured or abraded, poisonous matter
may be introduced into the system._ The highly respected Dr. W., of
Boston, lost his life by poisonous matter from the body of a patient
subjected to a post mortem examination. He had removed from his
finger, previous to the examination, a "hang-nail," and the poison
from the dead body was brought in contact with the denuded part, and
through the agency of the lymphatics it was conveyed into the system.

411. Puncture any part of the cuticle with the finest instrument that
has upon its point the smallest conceivable quantity of the _vaccine
virus_, or small-pox matter, and it will be brought into contact with
the lymphatic vessels, and through their agency conveyed into the
system. The result is, that persons thus operated upon have the
small-pox, or the vaccine disease.

412. When we expose ourselves to any poisonous vapors, or handle
diseased animals or sick persons, safety and health require that the
cuticle be not broken or otherwise injured. In many instances, the
poisonous animal matter upon hides has been introduced into the
systems of tanners, through small ulcers upon their fingers or hands.
From these sores there would be seen small red lines extending up the
arm. These swelled tracts indicate an inflammation of the large
lymphatic trunks, that have been irritated and diseased by the
passage of poisonous matter through them into the system.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

410. Do the same results follow, if the cuticle is only punctured?
Relate an instance of death by the absorption of poisonous matter.
411. By what means is the vaccine matter introduced into the system?
412. What caution is necessary when