Buch 
1 (1839) The general action and classification of medicines, and the mineral materia medica / by Jonathan Pereira
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BATHS.

133

dangerous pulmonary haemorrhage, to the abdomen in violent floodings,it is oftentimes most beneficial. In some of these cases, especially inuterine haemorrhage, more benefit is obtained by pouring cold water froma height, than by the mere use of ice.

Founded ice, tied up in a bladder, has been applied to hernial tumors,to diminish their size and facilitate their reduction; but notwithstandingthat the practice has the sanction and recommendation of Sir AstleyCooper , it is, I believe, rarely followed, not having been found successful;and if too long continued, it may cause' gangrene. In this, as well as inother cases where ice or snow cannot be procured, a freezing mixturemay be substituted. For this purpose, five ounces of muriate of am-monia, five ounces of nitre, and a pint of water, are to be placed in abladder, and applied to the part. Ice has also been applied in prolapsusof the rectum or vagina, when inflammation has come on which threatensmortification.

In inflammation of the brain, ice, pounded and placed in a bladder,may be applied to the head with a very beneficial effect. In fever also,where there is great cerebral excitement, with a hot dry skin, I have seenit advantageously employed. In apoplexy, likewise, it might be useful.In the retention of urine to which old persons are liable, ice-cold waterapplied to the liypogastrium is sometimes very effective, causing theevacuation of this secretion.

In the above-mentioned local uses of ice, we either apply it directly tothe part, or inclose it in a bladder: the lattor is to be preferred, sincethe patient is not wetted with the melted water, while the effect is lessviolent.

In the last place, I must notice the employment of ice or snow in theform of friction. Whenever it is used in this way, the ultimate object is theproduction of the secondary effects, or those which constitute the stageof reaction. Thus this practice has been resorted to in diminished sen-sibility of the skin, in the rheumatism or gout of old and enfeebledpersons, in order to produce excitemeut of the skin; but its most com-mon use is as an application to parts injured by cold. The affectionthus induced is called pernio, or the chilblain; and the parts affectedare said to be frost-bitten. The feet, hands, tip of the nose, andpinna of the ear, are the organs most frequently attacked. Now, withthe view of preventing the mortification and other ill consequencesarising from the application of cold, great care must be used to avoidsudden changes of temperature. The frost-bitten part, or the chilblain,should be rubbed with snow or pounded ice, or bathed in ice-cold water,very gradually raising the temperature of the applications until the partacquires its natural heat.

( b.) Cold, cool, tepid, and hot water. —Water of various degrees of tem-perature is employed for baths, affusion, washing or sponging, the douche,and for various local purposes.

a. Baths. — History. —The practice of bathing is of great antiquity,and, in fact, precedes the date of our earliest records. It was employed,sometimes for the purpose of cleanliness, sometimes for the preservationof health, and frequently as a means of sensual gratification. Ablutionswere practised by the ancient Hebrews, as you will find mentioned in theOld Testament. Baths were used by the Egyptians, as well as by the