_Treat., &c._ When the injured surface is large, or exposed, it should be protected from dirt and further injury, by applying a piece of lint or soft linen rag, covered with spermaceti cerate, or some other simple ointment; over which a piece of strapping, or bandage of any sort, may be placed to keep it on. In many cases, a piece of common sticking-plaster will be found quite sufficient. 2. A very superficial ulceration or excoriation of the intestinal or other mucous membrane. _Treat_. Aperients of castor oil, demulcents, and a light nutritious diet. See EXCORIATIONS. =ABRUS PRECATORIUS.= (Ind. Ph.) Indian Liquorice Plant. _Habitat._ Tropical portions of both hemispheres, _Officinal part._ The root (_Abri Radix_, _Indian Liquorice_). Occurs in pieces of various lengths, from 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter; pale brown externally, yellowish internally; inodorous, taste sweetish and mucilaginous, much resembling officinal liquorice root. _Properties and uses._ Similar to those of liquorice, for which it forms an excellent substitute. _Preparation._ EXTRACT OF ABRUS (_Extractum Abri_). Prepared as Extractum Glycyrrhizæ. =ABSCESS.= A formation of matter or pus, resulting from inflammation, either acute or chronic. The symptoms are pain, swelling, heat, and redness, a conical projection on the swelling, often with a white point at the apex. Abscess or suppuration may come on any part of the body. When the local inflammation does not yield to cold lotions, apply poultices; a pledget of lint dipped in cold water and kept moist by means of oil-silk; a slice of bread softened with boiling water or milk, or linseed meal, make the best poultices. Should the pain be severe add laudanum, and additionally rub it round the swelling. Or apply common white paint by laying it on gently with a brush, or else tincture of marigold or arnica in the same manner. Chronic abscesses in the glands in the neck are usually scrofulous, and should be opened. Abscesses in the breast should not be opened too early, or others are formed. Those in the gums may be cut early, not so if in the tonsils. After opening with a needle or lancet-point external abscesses, continue to poultice till the hardness disappears, then dress with spermaceti ointment spread on lint. When the abscess is of a dangerous nature, lose no time in consulting a medical practitioner. _Treatment for horses and cattle._ Mr Finlay Dun prescribes fomentations, poultices, counter-irritants, the knife, cauterisation, carbolic-acid dressing, stimulating injections, and the administration of sulphites and chlorate of potash.