with smaller red lines, stretching across the cheeks, and, sometimes, by the intermixture of small suppurating pimples, like the second variety above described, which successively arise on different parts of the face.*

According to Mr. Plumbe, collections of matter are frequently concealed under a smooth, red, buttony swelling for weeks together, without its existence being suspected. From the protraction of the complaint, every part of the tip and sides of the nose is affected with such eruptions, and the moisture-glands and their little pipes become completely destroyed. A careful examination of the parts, in the earlier stages of the disease, will, in most cases, lead to the detection of small and deep-seated collections of matter, which, upon being let out with a needle, or the point of a lancet, will cause the swelling and redness of the skin to disappear; and, if the fomentations of warm water and frictions with mild soap and a soft brush be persevered in, along with plain diet, and abstinence from high-seasoned dishes, pickles, cayenne, mustard, and strong liquors, a cure may, in time, be affected. The acidity of the stomach, so usually present in cases of this kind, must be treated as so often directed in the foregoing pages.

NETTLE RASH.

This disorder is variously denominated by medical writers, Urticaria and Roseola, and always arises in consequence of the close companionship between . the skin and the stomach and bowels, from some acid, acrid, or irritating food, or drink. Among the things which induce this rash, have been enumerated,-vinegar, mushrooms, honey, almonds, the kernels of cherries and other stone fruit, green cucumber with the skin on, lobsters, crabs, shrimps, muscles, oysters, pork, &c. Sir Anthony Carlisle informs us, that he cannot taste fish without suffering an eruption within a few hours.

The affection appears sometimes in large, and sometimes small, patches, of a fine crimson, on the face, the ears, the shoulders, and other parts of the body; and, according to Fuller,* is more ludicrous than dangerous. There is sometimes a swelling, or wheal, with a hard border, of a paler colour than the surrounding rash in the centre of the patches; but this is not always present. A disagreeable tingling, or itching, usually accompanies it. It occurs, for the most part, in spring, summer, and autumn, in irritable constitutions. No other treatment is required, than freely opening the bowels; and, if it is severe, or obstinate, taking a gentle emetic.

* FULLER'S Exanthematologia, p. 128.

L

It

sometimes continues only a few days, but it is very apt to return, and is occasionally very troublesome to get rid of. In such cases, the diet must be carefully attended to, and cooling medicines, such as the elixir of vitriol, employed.

TETTER AND RINGWORM OF THE FACE.

These are two varieties of the disorders of the skin, which medical men call Herpes,* and the vulgar rank among the numerous forms of Scurvy, as caused by foul blood. The ringworm here meant is, however, very different from the contagious ringworm which affects the hair, and which will come to be noticed when we are treating of the hair. Like most of the preceding eruptions, these affections of the skin are caused by disorders of the stomach and bowels, which both derange the skin through the influence of companionship, and by deteriorating the blood which supplies it with nourishment. Young people, from the age of twelve to twentyfive, are most frequently the subjects of the disease, although the aged are not altogether exempt from its attacks. Some authors, says Dr. Bateman, ascribe its appearance to anger and irritable temper; it would be more just to refer it to the nervous or

*Herpes is from the Greek 'pre, which signifies, " to creep, or spread," as tetter always does.-ACTUARIUS Meth. Med.

ii. 12.

bilious disorders, which always lead to this disposition of mind. The suppression of perspiration, in consequence of a common cold, sore throat, or catarrh, and after fatigue, or loss of sleep, is, also, very often followed by an eruption of tetter around the mouth, or about the nose. Female obstructions and irregularities, as well as piles, are said to be a frequent cause.

Tetter is generally preceded by headache, pains in the limbs, slight shivering alternating with flushes, and other feverish symptoms. A sort of stiffness and tingling pain, with slight itching, soon begins to be felt where the tetter, or ringworm, is about to appear, and the part soon becomes red and inflamed. Little blisters, or vesicles, then appear in clusters upon the inflamed part, which is very often upon the edge of the upper and under lip, and at the angle of the mouth, sometimes forming a semi-circle, or even completing a circle, round the mouth; whence the name of ringworm. It is, also, very common on the tip or sides of the nose, and sometimes on the chin. At first the little blisters, or vesicles, contain a transparent fluid, but, in the course of twenty-four hours, it becomes muddy, turbid, and yellowish white, and, at last, is changed into thick brownish yellow matter. The lips, or other parts affected, become red, hard, and swelled, as well as sore, stiff, and painful, with a sensation of great heat and smarting, which continues troublesome for three or

four days, till the matter. escapes, and forms thick dark crusts. If these are picked off, a kind of viscid, gummy, transparent matter succeeds, and encrusts the parts anew. If it is let alone, the swelling subsides, and, in four or five days, the crusts begin to fall off; the whole duration of the eruption being about ten or twelve days.

As the disorder always runs a regular course, it is not only useless, but hurtful, to attempt to stop it after the blisters have appeared, because it is impossible to stop them from forming, and any application intended for this purpose will only make them longer of healing. When the stiffness of the parts, however, gives warning of the approach of tetter, it may sometimes be prevented by stimulants, such as the Eau de Cologne, or the

STRAWBERRY LOTION.

Put into a phial, containing half-a-pint of brandy, as many strawberries as it will hold, cover the mouth with a piece of bladder, let it stand for a week in the sun, and then strain it through a linen cloth; put in more strawberries, as at first, and add half-an-ounce of camphor; apply a pledget of linen, soaked in this, to the parts.

The tingling, smarting, and burning heat, when very troublesome, may be reduced by sedatives, such as sugar of lead-water, or water in which a little nitrate of potass has been dissolved. These only