There are numerous glandular bodies distributed over the animal
structure. Those to which the reader's attention is called are, first,
the parotid, situated beneath the ear; secondly, the sub-lingual,
beneath the tongue; lastly, the sub-maxillary, situated just within the
angle of the jaw. They are organized similarly to other glands, as the
kidneys, &c., possessing arteries, veins, lymphatics, &c., which
terminate in a common duct. They have also a ramification of nerves, and
the body of the gland has its own system of arterial vessels and
absorbents, which are enclosed by a serous membrane. They produce a
copious discharge of fluid, called saliva. Its use is to lubricate the
mouth, thereby preventing friction; also to lubricate the food, and
assist digestion.
Inflammation of either of these glands may be known by the heat,
tenderness, enlargement, and difficulty of swallowing. They are usually
sympathetically affected, as in hoose, catarrh, influenza, &c., and
generally resume their natural state when these maladies disappear.
_Treatment._--In the inflammatory stage, warm teas of marshmallows, or
slippery elm, and poultices of the same, are the best means yet known to
reduce it; they relax constricted or obstructed organs, and by being
directly applied to the parts affected, the more speedily and
effectually is the object accomplished. Two or three applications of
some relaxing poultice will be all that is needed; after which, apply
Olive oil, or goose grease, 1 gill.
Spirits of camphor, 1 ounce.
Oil of cedar, 1 ounce.
Vinegar, half a gill.
Mix.
_Another._
Pyroligneous acid, 2 ounces.
Beef's gall, 1 gill.
Cayenne, 1 tea-spoonful.
To be rubbed around the throat as occasion may require. All hard or
indigestible food will be injurious.