If, either from improper management, or the morbid condition of the action, the abscess, after it bursts spontaneously, or is opened by art, continue to suppurate, without undergoing the ulcerative action preparatory to healing, then we find, that either the sides remain quite separate, producing a cavity, extended more or less, or one particular portion remains open, forming a sinus. Both of these cases require a treatment, which, in its principle, is the same, namely, the indication of the ulcerative action. In the first case[34], we shall frequently succeed by means of the seton, especially if we use pressure alongst with it; for, by keeping the internal surface in close contact, we tend to check the purulent, or suppurative action, and produce organic particles[35]. We may also succeed, by using stimulating injections, of such a strength as to produce a moderate degree of smarting. Of this kind are, wine and water, solutions of white vitriol, corrosive sublimate, &c. These ought to be used frequently in the course of the day, and pressure employed during the intervals. Incision, or laying the part open, is, being the most severe, the last remedy which is to be had recourse to. Small chronic abscesses may be laid open during their whole diameter; but larger ones require only to be cut up for a certain length. [34] This is exactly similar to an encysted tumor which has been opened, and requires the same treatment. The internal surface becomes thick and somewhat hard, like that of a cyst. It differs from an encysted tumor only in its cause and origin. [35] If pressure be employed early, to a considerable degree, the irritation of the means employed produces pain, and a morbid increase of action, unless we keep down the action by cold, as will be explained when considering the treatment of ulcers.