Leech

(leetsh). An aquatic worm used for the local abstraction of blood. They should be kept in a cool place, in a gla jar filled with rain or river water. The top of the jar must be carefully covered with muslin. The water should be changed weekly. The part to which a leech is to be applied should be washed and moistened with cool water; put the leech in a small wine gla or test tube, and reverse it on the part. If it will not bite, moisten the skin with sugar and water. When the leech has sucked its fill it drops off; it should then be put on a plate and sprinkled with a little salt, which will make it throw up the blood. The leech must then be immediately put into plenty of fresh cold water. — s. 90 —