a poultice; from καταπλασμός, illino, to spread like a platter. Cataplasms take their name sometimes from the part to which they are applied, or effects they produce; so are called anacoloma, frontale, epicarpium, epilaphticum, vesicatorium; and when mustard is an ingredient, they are called fennapium.

These kinds of applications are softer and more easy than plasters or ointments. They are formed of some vegetable substances, and applied of such a consistence as neither to adhere nor run: they are also more useful when the intention is effected by the perpetuity of the heat or cold which they contain, for they retain them longer than any other kind of composition.

When designed to relax, or to promote suppuration, they should be applied warm. Their warmth, moisture, and the obstruction they give to perspiration, is the method of their answering that end. The proper heat, when applied warm, is no more than to promote a kindly pleasant sensation; for great heat prevents the design for which they are used. They should be renewed as often as they cool. For relaxing and suppurring, none excel the white bread poultice, made with the crumb of an old loaf, a sufficient quantity of milk to boil the bread in until it is soft, and a little oil; which last ingredient, besides preventing the poultice from drying and sticking to the skin, also retains the heat longer than the bread and milk alone would do. To preserve the heat longer, the poultice, when applied, may be covered with a strong ox's bladder.

When designed to repel, they should be applied cold, and ought to be renewed as oft as they become warm. A proper composition for this end is a mixture of oatmeal and vinegar.