Poultices seem to increase the diseased state; and mild dressings do not counteract it, but allow it to go on. The second variety is only to be cured by removing the caries bone; but the same remedies which are used in the first variety may be employed here, as palliatives, or the means of preventing the ulcer from becoming worse. By a continuance of these applications, in cases of slight caries, a cure may, after some time, be obtained; for the thin layer of diseased bone, either comes away in fragments through an opening in the ulcer[62], or it is sometimes absorbed. This last event, the absorption of the bone, is particularly induced by pressure, applied by means of the adhesive plaster; and, therefore, where the disease is not extensive, it is always proper to have recourse to this; but if, upon trial, we find it to fail, or to convert the sore into the second species of this genus, which it sometimes does, we must omit it. [62] In the description of this variety, it was mentioned, that there frequently was a small opening in the surface, which communicated with the bone; but, even where this is not the case, the layer of dead bone, when it exfoliates, comes through the granulations; for the granulations of the sound bone below raise it up, in consequence of which, pressure is made from within outward upon the ulcer, by which absorption is produced at that part, in a greater degree than deposition; and, therefore, a vacuity is produced. As it is only in slight cases of caries that absorption of the bone is to be expected, we may consider it as necessary, in general, as a preparatory step toward healing, that the diseased portion of the bone be separated, and come away externally. It is therefore of advantage to endeavour to accelerate this; because, whatever does so, hastens the cure. Our attempts, with this view, are made at two different stages, and with different intentions. First, when the bone has separated, or exfoliated from the part below, by making an incision through the ulcerated surface, we remove the dead part, and allow the sore to heal. This stage may be discovered, by pushing a probe through the opening, if there be one, or through the granulations, down to the layer of bone, which we find to be elastic when we press on it. But, even although the incision be made before this stage has taken place, no harm is done, because it is of use in the first stage. Second, when the carious bone has not yet exfoliated, but remains in contact with the rest of the bone, ulceration of the sound part not having yet taken place, it will be useful to make an incision down to the bone, and, as soon as the bleeding stops, or lessens, to apply caustic freely, in the whole course of the incision, so as to act upon the caries, or rough portion; or we may use the trephine, or other remedies, which have been formerly mentioned. It sometimes happens, that the soft parts are, at particular portions, and often to a considerable extent, removed by