Burns and scalds are painful accidents of frequent occurrence. They may vary in extent from a slight burn, destroying or inflaming a small portion of the skin to very extensive ones which destroy all the tissues of a part. The first thing to be done is to remove the clothing. This should be done as carefully as possible, so as not to destroy the blister formed. The burned parts should be shielded from the, air at once. For this purpose, sprinkle over the burned surface, until it is completely hidden, flour or baking soda. White lead makes an excellent covering". After a burn has been dressed, it should then be covered warmly, but lightly. Care should be taken to prevent pressure on or near the burned part. The use of cold water is beneficial and grateful to burns. The part or parts affected, may be immersed in cold water as soon as possible after the burn, and kept there for from fifteen minutes to half an hour, depending upon the intensity of the burn.

Linseed oil and lime water or bicarbonate of soda, may then be applied to good advantage. Any pure oil is useful, as it protects the burn from the air.

Burns from acids may be relieved by applying baking soda or soap; burns from lye may be relieved by vinegar.

The effect of prolonged cold is to stop the circulation of the blood, which is followed by loss of feeling in the injured parts.

The circulation in the part frozen, should be re-established gradually, and this is best done by keeping the patient in a cold room and rubbing vigorously with snow or cold water. In severe cases of freezing, there is danger of gangrene of the part affected.