If swellings of the glands appear, their suppuration is to be promoted by the application of poultices, ripening cataplasms, &c. And as soon as there is any appearance of matter in them, they ought to be laid open, and the poultices continued. I have known large ulcerous sores break out in various parts of the body, in the decline of this fever, of a livid gangrenous appearance, and a most putrid cadaverous smell. These gradually healed, and the patient recovered, by the plentiful use of Peruvian bark and wine, sharpened with the spirits of vitriol. For preventing putrid fevers we would recommend a strict regard to cleanliness; a dry situation; sufficient exercise in the open air; wholesome food, and a moderate use of generous liquors. Infection ought above all things to be avoided. No constitution is proof against it. I have known persons seized with a putrid fever, by only making a single visit to a patient in it; others have caught it by lodging for one night in a town where it prevailed; and some by attending the funerals of such as died of it[84]. When a putrid fever seizes any person in a family, the greatest attention is necessary to prevent the disease from spreading. The sick ought to be placed in a large apartment, as remote from the rest of the family as possible; he ought likewise to be kept extremely clean, and should have fresh air frequently let into his chamber; whatever comes from him should be immediately removed, his linen should be frequently changed, and those in health ought to avoid all unnecessary communication with him. Any one who is apprehensive of having caught the infection, ought immediately to take a vomit, and to work it off by drinking plentifully of camomile-tea. This may be repeated in a day or two, if the apprehensions still continue, or any unfavourable symptoms appear. The person ought likewise to take an infusion of the bark and camomile flowers for his ordinary drink; and before he goes to bed, he may drink an English pint of pretty strong negus, or a few glasses of generous wine. I have been frequently obliged to follow this course, when malignant fevers prevailed, and have likewise recommended it to others with constant success. People generally fly to bleeding and purging as antidotes against infection; but these are so far from securing them, that they often, by debilitating the body, increase the danger. Those who wait upon the sick in putrid fevers, ought always to have a piece of spunge or a handkerchief dipt in vinegar, or juice of lemon, to smell to while near the patient. They ought likewise to wash their hands, and, if possible, to change their clothes, before they go into company. CHAP. XXI. OF THE MILIARY FEVER.