Carbuncles are more frequent in advanced life than in the young; and are generally indications of a low, putrescent or typhoid state of the system; and not unfrequently the result of it. The extent of a carbuncle is as various as the part of the body in which it appears; it varies, from the size of a walnut to the dimensions of a plate; the parts of the body most subject to its attack are the neck, shoulder, armpit and hip. _Treatment._—The local remedies, from first to last, are warm emollient poultices; which are to be applied directly the tumour shows itself, and continued every three or four hours, till the healing process is fairly established. As soon as the swelling becomes conical, the top is to be freely opened. The best poultice to use is either bread-and-water or linseed meal. To meet the constitutional disturbance, a mild alterative pill of equal parts of extract of colocynth and henbane, should be given every second day, and when the febrile action is considerable, two table-spoonfuls of the following mixture every four or six hours. Camphor Water 6 ounces. Nitrate of Potass 15 grains. Tartar Emetic 3 grains. Syrup of Saffron 2 drachms. In addition, when there is much pain and want of sleep, add one drachm of laudanum to the mixture, or give the patient 25 drops at bed-time, while needed. When the abscess has been opened, it will be necessary to administer tonics, with a liberal diet and wine. For this purpose the following mixture is to be taken in doses of two table-spoonfuls three times a day. Quassia ½ drachm. Cardamom Seeds 2 drachms—bruised. Boiling Water 1 pint. Infuse for six hours, strain, and add diluted nitric acid, 1 drachm. If the debility is excessive it will be advisable to give stimulants, in which case the following mixture is to be employed. Take of Camphor Water 3 ounces. Compound Tincture of Bark, ditto Cinnamon, of each ½ ounce. Spirits of Sal Volatile, ditto Sulphuric Ether, of each 1 drachm. Give a table-spoonful every hour, increasing the interval, as the strength of the patient rallies; at the same time continue the wine, and if required, brandy. EXCORIATION.