Chap. XL.

Of Cataplasms.

635

Chap. XL.—C ATAPLASMS.

£

Cataplasm a fermenti. Lond.Yeast Cataplasm.Take of

Flour, one pound jBear yeast, half a pint.Mix and expose to a gentle heat, till the mass begin to swell.

The yeast excites fermentation in the flour, and convertsthe whole into a thin dough. This cataplasm is consideredas a very efficacious application to putrid or putrescent ulcersor tumours.

Cataplasma sinapeos. Dub.Mustard Cataplasm.Take of

Mustard seed, powdered,

Crumb of bread, of each half a pound ;

Vinegar, as much as is sufficient.Mix, and make a cataplasm.

Sinapisms may be made stronger, by adding ofHorse-radish root, scraped, two ounces.

Cataplasma sinapis. Lond.Mustard Cataplasm.Take of

Mustard seed,

Tinseed, of each, in powder, half a pound;Warm vinegar, as much as may be sufficient.Mix to the thickness of a cataplasm.

Cataplasms of this kind are commonly known by thename of Sinapisms. They were formerly frequently preparedin a more complicated state, containing garlic, black soap, andother similar articles; but the above simple form will answerevery purpose which they are capable of accomplishing.They are employed only as stimulants; they often inflame thepart, and raise blisters, but not so perfectly as cantharides.They are frequently applied to the soles of the fret, ;n the low-state of acute diseases, for raising the pulse, and relieving thehead. The chief advantage they have depends on the sud-denness of their action.