352. _Gum-boils._--A gum-boil is sometimes a primary disease, depending on an inflammation of the gums from accidental and common causes, in which case the lancet, or leaving it to nature, soon restores the gum to a healthy state; but it more generally arises from a carious tooth, in which case extraction is necessary. If there be any constitutional disturbance about the face, leeches and purgatives, and the usual means for subduing inflammation may be resorted to. 353. _Diseases of the Ear._--Sometimes ear-ache is connected with chronic ulceration in the internal and external part of the ear--when injections of warm water and soap are advisable. In this case, there is sometimes a constant fœtid discharge--for which the following mixture has been recommended:--Mix three drachms of ox-gall and one drachm of balsam of Peru. Put a drop on a little cotton in the ear. 354. _Temporary Deafness._--If the ear be inflamed, inject water into it with a syringe, as warm as the patient can bear it, and foment the part with the decoction of poppy-heads and chamomile flowers. Should this not relieve the pain, a drop of oil of cloves with a little oil of almonds should be dropped into the ear, and cotton wool put into it. If the ear discharge much, inject warm water with Castile soap into it. 355. _For a Pain in the Ear._--Oil of sweet almonds, two drachms, and oil of amber, four drops. Apply four drops of this mixture, when in pain, to the part affected. 356. _Another cure for the Ear-ache._--Dip a little cotton into a mixture of oil of sweet almonds and laudanum, and put it into the ear; or, apply a small poultice, in which is put a raw chopped clove of garlic; or, roast a small onion, and put as much of the inside into the ear as you conveniently can. 357. _To kill Earwigs, or other Insects, which may accidentally have crept into the Ear._--Let the person under this distressing circumstance lay his head upon a table, the side upwards that is afflicted; at the same time, let some friend carefully drop into the ear a little sweet oil or oil of almonds. A drop or two will be sufficient, which will instantly destroy the insect and remove the pain, however violent. 358. _Bleeding at the Nose._--In obstinate cases, blow a little gum Arabic powder up the nostrils through a quill, which will immediately stop the discharge. 359. _Another cure for Bleeding at the Nose._--_Elevating the patient's arm_ will often have the desired effect. The explanation is based upon physiological grounds: the greater force required to propel the blood through the vessels of the arm, when elevated, causes the pressure upon the vessels of the head to be diminished, by the increased action which takes place in the course of the brachial arteries. If the theory be sound, both arms should be elevated.