BURNS.

361

Mr. Cleghorn's Plan of treating Burns and Scalds.

Mr. Cleghorn, a brewer in Edinburgh, was inclined to pay greatattention to the effects of various modes of treating burns, on ac-count of the frequency of these accidents among his own work-men. His observations led him to prefer the immediate applica-tion of vinegar, which was to be continued for some hours, by anyof the most convenient means, until the pain abated, and when thisreturned the vinegar was renewed. If the burn had been so se-vere as to have produced a destruction of parts, these, as soon asthe pain had ceased, were covered with a poultice, the applicationof which was continued about six, or, at most, eight hours, and af-ter its removal the parts were entirely covered with finely powder-ed chalk, se as to take away every appearance of moisture on thesurface of the sore. This being done, the whole burnt surface \va-,again covered with poultice. The same mode was pursued everynight and morning until the cure was complete. If the use ofpoultices relaxed the ulcers too much, a plaster or ointment, con-taining subcarbonate of lead, was applied ; but the chalk was stiiisprinkled on the sore.

Diluted sulphuric acid was found to answer as well as vinegar.In cold weather Mr. Cleghorn sometimes warmed the vinegar alittle, placed the patients near the fire, gave them something warminternally, and kept them in every respect in a comfortable situa-tion. His object in so doinff was to prevent the occurrence oftremblings and chillness, which, in two instances, after the em-ployment of cold vinegar, took place in an alarming degree.

Sir James Earle's Plan.

This gentleman was an advocate for the use of cold water, orrather ice ; and published several cases of extensive burns, inwhich this method was employed with the best success. Theburnt parts may either be plunged in cold water, or they may becovered with linen dipped in the same, and renewed as often as itacquires warmth from the part. The application should he con-tinued as long as the heat and pain remain, which they will oftendo for a great many hours.

Some caution, however, becomes necessary, in the applicationof cold, when the scald is of very large size, or situated upon thetrunk of the body. In extensive burns, superficial as they may be,the patient is liable to be affected with cold shiverings ; and theseshiverings mav be greatly aggravated by exposure, and by the ap-plication of cold. Perhaps, therefore, in these examples warmapplications ought to be preferred.

The sores resulting from burns are perhaps more disposed thanany other ulcer, to form large granulations, which rise considera-bly above the level of the surrounding skin. At this stage no poul-tices should be used. The sores should be dressed with Turner'scerate, or basilicum mixed with a little red precipitate, and if thepart will allow of the application of a roller, the pressure will beof great service in keeping down the granulations, (commonlycalled proud flesh,) and renderinir them more healthy.