MUMPS

This term is generally applied to inflammation of the parotid glands. It is seldom attended by fever or constitutional symptoms, but is occasionally translated to other glandular parts. A gentle dose of physic, and the application of a piece of flannel dipped in warm salt water or in solution of acetate of ammonia, is generally all the treatment required. From the way in which this complaint sometimes spreads in families or schools, there is some reason to believe it to be contagious or infectious. [s. 792]