Might not an adherent eschar be easily formed in those cases of compound fracture in which the external wound is of moderate size, so as effectually to exclude the external air and prevent cutaneous inflammation, and in more respects than one, to reduce the case to the state of a simple fracture? This object, if attained, would be important indeed, and I hope the suggestion will be submitted to the most assiduous and cautious trial. I can have no doubt that the use of the lunar caustic admits of being still further extended; and, as I intend to pursue the inquiry, I hope at some future period to publish something more worthy of the attention of the medical public. In the mean time, the plans hereafter suggested must not be adopted without that degree of care, attention, and perseverance, which are obviously necessary to render them successful. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. PAGE ON HEALING BY ESCHAR 1 I. _Of the Adherent Eschar_ 3 II. _Of the Unadherent Eschar_ 14 III. _On the Treatment by Eschar and Poultice_ 21 CHAPTER II. OF THE APPLICATION OF THESE MODES OF TREATMENT TO DIFFERENT CASES 24 I. _Of Punctures, Bites, &c_ 24 II. _Of Bruised Wounds_ 64 III. _Of Ulcers_ 82 IV. _Of some Anomalous cases_ 120 CHAPTER III. OF SOME CASES IN WHICH THE CAUSTIC IS INAPPLICABLE 130 CHAPTER I. ON HEALING BY ESCHAR. Having been led, by several circumstances, to try the effects of the Lunar Caustic in the treatment of Wounds and Ulcers, and having great reason, from these trials, to think that this remedy may be used with much advantage far more extensively than has hitherto been done, I lay the results of my experience before my medical brethren. A very natural mode of healing certain wounds and ulcers, is by scabbing; but this mode of treatment is attended by many disadvantages, as will be pointed out shortly; yet it may be supposed to have suggested to me some of those trials of the treatment by eschar, which I am about to detail. I. ON THE ADHERENT ESCHAR.