This is very often done by means of nitrate of silver, or some of
the mineral acids; but the best caustic for this purpose is that
recommended for cancer in the skin.


492. CANCER IN THE SKIN

No one but an impostor will presume to cure a true cancer,
containing the cancer cell, and situated in the muscles. Many times
hard tumors, not containing the cancer cell, are called cancers, and
are removed by different methods, which is very easily accomplished,
without a danger of their returning; by which means base quacks
become lauded by the illiterate, for their superior skill in
banishing this dreadful malady, and the orphan, and finally,
in consequence thereof, plunge themselves headlong over yonder
precipice of eternal misery. Cancer which are situated in the skin,
and are sometimes called spider cancers, &c., may be cured by the
following caustic: take of sulphate of iron, 1 part; and acetate of
lead, 1 part; pulverize each separately, as fine as possible, and
mix well together; then, by means of a probe or knitting-needle,
touch the cancer with it every morning for three or four times, and
you will be able to draw it all out; after which apply adhesive
straps that it may heal. It is used in the same way to destroy corns
and warts. In the case of cancer, physic well before applying it.


493. FOR WORMS

Give a child one year old 15 drops of spirits of turpentine on