Ms

\n

OF THE QUINSEY, OR

As most people are fond of using eye-waters and ointments inthis and other diseases of the eyes, we have inserted some of themost approved forms of these medicines in the Appendix. SeeAppendix, Eye-water and Eye-salve.

CHAP. XXVIII.

OF THE QUINSEY, OR INFLAMMATION OF THFTHROAT.

kV.

THIS disease is very common in Britain, and is frequently at-tended with great danger. It prevails in the winter and spring,and is most fatal to young people of a sanguine temperament.

CAUSES.——In general it proceeds from the same causes asother inflammatory disorders, viz. an obstructed perspiration, orwhatever heats or inflames the blood. An inflammation of the throatis often occasioned by omitting some part of the covering usuallyworn about the neck, by drinking cold liquor when the body is warm,by riding or walking against a cold northerly wind, or any thingthat greatly cools the throat and parts adjacent. It may likewiseproceed from the neglect of bleeding, purging, or any customaryevacuation.

Singing, speaking loud and long, or whatever strains the throat,may likewise cause an inflammation of that organ. I have oftenknown the quinsey prove fatal to jovial companions, who, aftersitting long in a warm room, drinking hot liquors, and singing withvehemence, were so imprudent as to go abroad in the cold night-air. Sitting with wet feet, or keeping on wet clothes, are veryapt to occasion this malady. It is likewise frequently occasionedby continuing long in a moist place, sitting near an open window,sleeping in a damp bed, sitting in a room that has been newlyplastered, &c. I know people who never fail to have a sore throatif they sit even but a short time in a room that has been latelywashed.

Acrid or irritating food may likewise inflame the throat, and oc-casion a quinsey. It may also proceed from bones, pins, or othersharp substances, sticking in the throat; or from the caustic fumesof metals, and minerals, as arsenic, antimony, &c. taken in by thebreath. This disease is sometimes epidemic and infectious.

SYMPTOMS.------The inflammation of the throat is evident

from inspection, the parts appearing red and swelled; besides, thepatient complains of pain in swallowing. His pulse is quick andhard, with other symptoms of a fever. If blood be let, it is gene-rally covered with a tough coat ot a whitish colour, and the pati-ent spits a tough phlegm. As the swelling and inflammation in-crease, the breathing and swallowing become more difficult; thepain affects the ears: the eyes generally appear red ; and the faco