393. HOT-WATER FOMENTATIONS are very serviceable in many cases, _e.g._, _Local Inflammations_, _Incipient Abscesses_, _Boils_, _Sprains_, _Lumbago_, _Colic and Spasmodic Affections of the Bowels_, _Congestion of the Liver_, _Asthma_, _&c._ To obtain their full effect, a few points require to be attended to. 1. The water should be as hot as can be borne. 2. Two or more thickly folded cloths (if flannel so much the better) of a size rather larger than the surface they are to cover, should be in readiness. 3. One of these having been removed from the water, should be thoroughly rung, so that it should hold no superfluous moisture, and should be immediately applied to the surface. 4. A second cloth having been got ready in the same way, the first, after the lapse of two or three minutes, should be removed, and the second applied. This process should be continued for half an hour if necessary, care being taken that the water be kept at the original temperature by means of fresh relays, and that there should be no longer interval than possible between the removal of one and the application of the succeeding fomentation. Subsequently, care should be taken to protect the fomented part from exposure to cold draughts of air. Some forms of _severe Headache, especially those occurring in Fevers_, are far more benefited by hot-water fomentations, or stupes thus applied, than from cold lotions commonly employed for the purpose. According to Dr. Aitchison, nothing relieves the _Headache or great fulness of the Head in Fevers_ so effectually as the continuous application of extremely hot-water stupes to the nape of the neck. _The Irritative Bilious Diarrhœa of these Fevers_, he adds, is more frequently improved and arrested by large warm-water enemas, administered at least morning and evening, than by any other remedy he knows of. 394. _In the treatment of Wounds, Ulcers, and Inflamed surfaces_, "WATER DRESSING" possesses many advantages, especially in tropical regions, over poultices and ointments. The process is exceedingly simple, consisting only of a piece of lint of thick texture, and of a size sufficient completely to cover the wound, soaked in tepid water. This is placed on the affected part, and the whole enveloped in an ample piece of oiled silk, so as effectually to prevent evaporation. Young plantain leaf answers the purpose as well as oiled silk. Cold water may be substituted for tepid, should it be more agreeable to the feelings of the patient.