These preparations seem to contain a very large proportion of mercury; and certainly, in their composition, a considerable quantity is blended. But it by no means follows, that the whole of that quantity is in an active state, or is in such a condition as to be capable of an union with the venereal virus. From late observations, it appears, that by much the greatest part of the mercury, although here rendered invisible, is still in its crude state. The effect, therefore, to be expected from them is by no means to be judged of from the quantity of mercury which has been employed in making them. And they are in reality much weaker preparations than might be imagined. These are often employed as dressings to open sores. But the oily nature of the substances with which the mercury is here conjoined, prevents it from admitting of a ready union with the venereal virus. On this account, their power will be still farther diminished than from the cause formerly mentioned. Hence it may be concluded, that they are not the most proper mercurial applications for open ulcers. And indeed an examination of the state of the fact confirms this conjecture. For, upon inquiry, it will be found, that in such circumstances greater benefit may be reaped from other mercurial applications. Mercury is often meant to act in the venereal disease, without any general affection of the system, or without entering the mass of circulating fluids, where it cannot come into immediate contact with the affected parts. These parts are often deep seated, and, at the same time, the integuments above them are unbroken. In such cases, mercury, applied in a form capable of penetrating, or of being absorbed, promises to be of service. That mercury, in the forms here mentioned, is in this situation, cannot be denied. And, in such cases, these forms have the peculiar advantage, which many others want, of admitting of an easy, gradual, and long continued application. Hence it is, that singular benefit is obtained from them in the resolution of nodes and buboes. It may not be improper here to observe, that, for these intentions, particularly the last, which is an affection of the lymphatic glands, it is a very effectual mode of using the mercury, to apply it in the form of unction to those places from which the lymphatic vessels passing through the diseased gland take their rise. In this way, equal if not greater benefit will, in general, be reaped, than from immediately applying it to the tumor itself. By this means, the mercury will be carried with more certainty, and in greater quantity, to the affected gland, than it would be from pervading the substance of the integuments.