rags is allowed to stand for a time, the oily matter will begin to
combine slowly with oxygen and as a result will give off heat. The
heat thus given off is at first insufficient to kindle a fire; but as
the heat is retained and accumulated, the temperature rises, and
finally the kindling point is reached and the whole mass bursts into
flames. For safety's sake, all oily cloths should be burned or kept in
metal vessels.

44. The Treatment of Burns. In spite of great caution, burns from
fires, steam, or hot water do sometimes occur, and it is well to know
how to relieve the suffering caused by them and how to treat the
injury in order to insure rapid healing.

Burns are dangerous because they destroy skin and thus open up an
entrance into the body for disease germs, and in addition because they
lay bare nerve tissue which thereby becomes irritated and causes a
shock to the entire system.

In mild burns, where the skin is not broken but is merely reddened, an
application of moist baking soda brings immediate relief. If this
substance is not available, flour paste, lard, sweet oil, or vaseline
may be used.

In more severe burns, where blisters are formed, the blisters should
be punctured with a sharp, sterilized needle and allowed to discharge
their watery contents before the above remedies are applied.

In burns severe enough to destroy the skin, disinfection of the open
wound with weak carbolic acid or hydrogen peroxide is very necessary.
After this has been done, a soft cloth soaked in a solution of linseed