Fomentations.—­This is the best way to apply moist heat, but it is troublesome, as they should be changed very frequently, at least every ten minutes when heat is required.  They should never be left on until they are cold and clammy.  Sheets of lamb’s wool make the best material.  Cut these layers into sizes required and encase them in a gauze cover over which is put a layer of oiled silk.  Coarse old flannel or an old blanket will do well.  Take two layers of the flannels, dip in the boiling water and wring.  Two should be at hand.  Dry the skin first and then put on the flannel.  It should be covered with enough material to keep in the heat and moisture.  Hops, etc., can be put into the water.

Turpentine Stupes.—­This is prepared the same way, except turpentine is added.  After the flannel has been wrung out, add from ten to twenty drops of turpentine, or add two or three teaspoonfuls of turpentine to one pint of boiling water and put the flannel in it and wring out and apply.  Put a towel over the stupe.  This is especially for gas in the bowels.

Mustard Stupe.—­Put a tablespoonful of mustard in one pint of hot water.  Make a paste of the mustard before it is put into the hot water, to avoid forming lumps; never use boiling water.  Wring the flannel out after it has been in this solution and apply to the part.

[Nursing department 635]

Mustard Plaster.—­This is made of different strengths, depending upon the length of time it is desired to keep it on and the sensitiveness of the skin.

1.  Equal parts of mustard and flour. 2.  One of mustard and two of flour. 3.  One of mustard and three or four of flour.  White of an egg added makes it better and not so blistering.

A paste is made with warm water and spread between the layers of muslin and left on no longer than ten minutes.  When the skin is red remove the plaster.  This is used when you wish a quick counter-irritation.

Mustard Plaster.—­This is made stronger, 1 to 2 to 3 parts meal.

Mustard leaves or Sinapisms may be bought at a drug store.  They are no better than you can make.  Use plasters.

Capsicum and Belladonna Plasters.—­May be bought.  In applying, heat the back of the plaster slightly; the face of the gauze is pulled off and the plaster placed where wanted.  To remove soak first with alcohol.

Spice plaster.—­Mix two teaspoonfuls each of ginger and cloves with a teaspoonful of cayenne pepper, one tablespoonful of flour, enough brandy or water to make a paste.  Spread this between two layers of muslin.

For Turpentine and Mustard Stupes see above.

Tincture of iodine, chloroform and liniments are also counterirritants, also castor oil, and pure tartar emetic, and cartharides.

Cupping, Wet and Dry.—­This is sometimes used to relieve inflammations of the eye, lung or kidney, or even muscular pains like lumbago.  Wine-glasses will do as well as any you can buy.