Eruption

(e-rup'shūn.) [From L. erupt io, a breaking out.] A violent breaking out or bursting forth of anything, particularly of flames and lava from a volcano; as, an eruption of Cotopaxi.-(Med.) A breaking out of any rash, or blotches, ., on the skin; or, a sudden and copious excretion of pustules. Ervum, (ür'vum.) (Bot.) A gen. of plants, O. Fabaceæ, comprising about 20 species of weak-stemmed annuals, with pinnate leaves generally terminating in tendrils. E. Lens, the common Lentil, grows about 1½ foot high, and has pale-blue flowers. The pods are nearly as broad as long, smooth, and contain 1 or 2 seeds. The Lentil was probably one of the first plants brought under cultivation by mankind for the purpose of affording food. It is several times mentioned in the Bible; for instance, in Genesis xxv. we read that Esau sold his birthright to his brother Jacob for a me of red pottage, made of lentils. At the present day, lentils are still extensively cultivated throughout most parts of the East, including Egypt, Nubia, Syria, India, .; and likewise in most of the countries of Central and Southern Europe. Eryngium, (e-rin'je-um.) (Bot.) A gen. of plants, O. Apiacere. The Sea Eryngo or Sea Holly, E. maritimum, common in most of the sandy shores of W. Europe, is conspicuous by the glaucous hue of its short rigid leaves and stems, and its thistle-like heads of blue flowers. Erysipelas, (ĕr-e-sip'e-las.) [Gr., literally, ruddine of the skin.] (Med.) An inflammatory affection, particularly of the skin, attended with fever. This disease is often called St. Anthony's fire; it is brought on by the various causes that are calculated to excite inflammation, such as injuries of all kinds, the external application of stimulants, exposure to cold, and obstructed perspiration. E. is frequently an epidemic disease; it is also very apt to recur in a person who has been attacked once or oftener; and this is especially true of the form which affects the face. It is seldom that depletion is allowable in E., but the bowels should be well cleared out in most cases, and a diuretic given, after which the treatment consists for the most part in watching narrowly the progre of the case, keeping up the strength as well as po ible, and obviating special dangers as they occur. [s. 340]