_Of Scalding_
Scalding is another accident of much consequence, which ought to be
remedied by times, in order to prevent the many evil consequences of
inflammation it is liable to produce.
I must first of all refer the reader to what I have said on the skin,
Lect. I. Sect. VII. for farther than this we will not suppose a scalding
proceeds, unless it is very dreadful indeed.
The nature of scalding then, is this: the hot water coming upon the
body, separates immediately the scarf skin from the real skin, thereby
opens the lymphatic vessels, so that they discharge their lymph under
the cuticula, and thence arise blisters. But withal, the heat of the
water irritating the nerves, they are excited to contract and constrict
the delicate vessels, and hinder the circulation; thence ensues the
fiery colour and inflammation, and create acrimonious tendencies. Thence
we learn, that a relaxation of the solids is to be relaxed, and the
humours to be rectified.
The moment a man has scalded himself, immediately apply _Turner’s
Cerate_ (K), spread upon a rag, to the part. What is equally as
efficacious, and sometimes better, is the _Linament of Soap_ (B). If
notwithstanding this, blisters arise, open them not, but let them remain
with the application on them, whereby a cure will soon be facilitated;
but if they break open on their own accord, or that the scarf skin was
scalded off, then apply on the sore, _Turner’s Cerate_ (K), intermixed
with a little _Calomel_ (N), and levigated _Precipitate_ (O), which will
prove very beneficial.