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96 DENTAL MEDICINE.
open abscesses of the liver, and other internal viscera, the method
" being preferred; to remove cancer, lupus and
of " aspiration
to decompose the virus of rabid and
other morbid growths ;
venomous animals, and of chancres and malignant pustules, and
prevent their absorption.
Escharotics include such agents as caustic potassa, fused nitrate
of silver, caustic soda, solution of nitrate of mercury, corrosive
chloride of mercury, bichromate of potassium, the mineral acids,
sulphate of copper, and the substances before referred to.

DEMULCENTS.
Demulcents, also called Lenitives^ are medicinal substances
which soften and relax the tissues. When applied to irritated or
inflamed surfaces these agents diminish the heat, tension and
pain. Thev consist principally of gum or mucilage, often com-
bined with saccharine or farinaceous substances, and, diluted with
water, form viscid solutions. By modifying the acridity of the
secretions, they are capable, to some degree at least, of relieving
irritation in remote organs, although their constitutional effects
are chiefly nutritive. Demulcents are employed internally to
protect the gastro-enteric surface from irritating substances,
especially poisons of an acrid nature ; also to relieve irritation
and inflammation of the alimentary canal in such affections as
diarrhoea, dysentery, enteritis, gastritis, etc. ; also in catarrhal
affections, for their soothing and lubricating effects from direct
contact, and also by reflex action ; and they also exert some
also
influence in modifying the acridity of expectorated matters ;
in such affections of the urinary passages as cystitis, ardor urinae,
as they tend to diminish the acridity of the secretion : also as
drinks, to promote the action of the secreting and exhaling organs,
and to allay the thirst in fevers : also as light diet, and to sus-
pend substances insoluble in water.
Demulcents are employed externally in the form known as
Emollients^ to relieve the heat, swelling and pain of inflammation,
wounds and burns ; to hasten suppuration, as detergents, to
cleanse foul ulcers, and to promote suppuration from granulating