Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1881-11-17

ply. A poultice enveloping the whole
chest is very useful in severe bronchitis
or pneumonia in children. The linen
should be cut large enough to 90 round
the whole chest. and tapes should be
sewed to it in such a way that they can
be tied in front and over each shoulder.
Young children are often so restless
and toss about so much when sick that
an ordinary poultice becomes rucked
up, leaves part of the surface which it
is intended to cover exposed, and thus
involves risk of taking cold. to say
nothing of partly defeating its object.
A rex fiaxseed poultice of this kind
is. of course. pretty heavy. and it is for
children particularly that an outer lay
er of cotton wool is applicable. The
poultice can then be spread thinner and
vet retain its heat well, while its weight
will not hamper the breathing.
A poultice should be applied as hot
renewed-at least once in two hours.
The more severe the pain, the ottener
should the poultice be changed. but
never take off the old until a fresh one
is quite ready to replace it.
After poulticing has been stopped. it
is often wise to cover the part with
flannel, having previously, of course,
wiped it dry and clean; this will obviate
anv risk of taking cold, and also tend
to supplement the action of the poul-
tice. Local perspiration may be fur
thered by covering the flannel with
oiled silk or India-rubber paper.
Flaxseed and oatmeal make compact
poultices which retain heat and moist
ure longer than other kinds. and are
thus often to be preferred. Some very
delicate skins are irritated by ilaxseed,
which contains a slightly acrid prin-
ciple. and in such cases oatmeal may
be substituted.
Bread poultices are also unirritating.
but being more porous do not retain
heat and moisture so well; and they are
also somewhat liable TO break up and
make the patient very uncomfortable
BY falling about his bed and clothes.
They are lighter than linseed, and may
be rendered more tenacious by using
hot milk instead of water in the second
soaking.
Starch poultices are very unirritating.
and may be used on the most delicate
skin, even if there be an eruption on it
AS in shingles" for instance. They
also retain heat well. and are lighter
than linseed.
The bran poultice may also be men,
Toned. 1t is made precisely like that
of flaxseed, is lighter but does not re-
tain heat as well.
COMBINATIONS
Of flannel wrung out of hot water have
the same purpose rs poultices in afford
ing heat and moisture, but, being far
lighter, are more applicable to a part
which is very tender or sensitive TO
pressure. The abdominal organs are
not as are those of the chest. protected
from pressure by an unyielding wall Of
bone, and cartilage, and are consequent
ly less tolerant of anything heavy when
infamed.
The flannel should be dipped in boil
ing water. placed in a towel and then
well wrung out; the hands are thus
protected from the hot water, and. il
the flannel is thoroughly wrung. there
is no danger of scalding the skin. apply
the flannel as quickly rs possible. and
cover it over with several thicknesses
of warm, dry towel, warm cottonwood.
or-better still-oiled silk, and fasten
j: in place with bsndage.
The object Of covering the flannel IS,
OF course, to enable it to retain its heat
and moisture for longer time. Fo-
mentations must be frequently re-
newed and. after they are finally re-
moved, the part should be treated in
the same way as after a poultice. The
action of fermentation can be height
ened by sprinkling a teaspoonful OF
spirits Of turpentine over its face. Fo-
mentations relax spasms of internal Or
CANS more than poultices. and are hence
Of more use in any kind OF collie.
Severe pain in the back like that Of
lumbago, or down the back of the thigh,