This section is from the book "A Treatise On Therapeutics, And Pharmacology Or Materia Medica Vol1", by George B. Wood. Also available from Amazon: Part 1 and Part 2.
The subdivisions of these are also ultimate classes, and are as follows:
1. Rubefacients, inflaming the skin;
2. Epispastics, producing blisters; and
3. Escharotics, destroying the life of the part, and producing a slough.
3. Local Remedies acting Mechanically.
These include, besides the various measures enumerated under the head of "Mechanical Influence" (page 53), the following classes of medicines:
1. Demulcents, bland viscid liquids, which cover surfaces and protect them from irritation, or mingled with acrid substances obtund their acrimony;
2. Emollients, which soften and relax;
3. Diluents, which dilute the fluids of the body; and
4. Protective8, which operate by covering the surface, and preventing the contact of the air.
 
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