May be defined as a solution of continuity in any of the soft parts of the body, attended with a secretion of pus, or some kind of discharge. "A granulating surface secreting matter" has been proposed as another definition, and which is very applicable when ulcers have formed granulations, but cannot include cases in which the effects of ulceration are extending, and the granulating process has not yet commenced.

Ulcers are divided into local and constitutional. However, it is only within certain limits that this distinction is well founded, for an ulcer which is at first completely local may in time affect the system, so as to become constitutional, and ulcers which derive their origin from some general affection of the system, may remain after the removal of the constitutional disorder by which they were originally produced.

Every ulcer, strictly speaking, is of a local nature; but there are ulcers which, though necessarily local in their appearance, are connected with, or dependent upon, diseases which affect the general system.

These ulcers ought to be regarded as modifications of, or forms in which the diseases appear with which they are connected. Considered in this light, it is obvious that specific ulcers can be treated of with propriety only under the head of the diseases to which they respectively belong.

We call those ulcers simple which do not appear to proceed from any specific disease or morbid diathesis existing in the constitution of those animals in whom they take place. They are usually solitary occurrences, and the consequences of accidental injuries and improper modes of management. They may occur in every part of the body, but as a rule most frequently upon the lower extremities.

Treatment

It is absolutely necessary to keep the surface clean and the part quiet Great benefit is produced by the application of dry lint, for the purpose of absorbing and retaining the matter. Fomentations, I think, ought to be avoided for the following reasons - they render the textures of the granulations closer, and diminish the disposition to form skin. When, however, they are small and free from inflammation, the discharge little and the parts not exposed to much motion, the nitrate of silver applied to the sore, and lightly to the surrounding skin, has a wholesome effect in fact, it is the best remedy that can be applied. There aye many others, but for all practical purposes this one will suffice.