Ointments are spread on calicoes, lint, or even thin layers of tow, by
means of a knife; they should not be spread too thick. Sometimes
ointment is applied to discharging surfaces on a piece of linen,
folded over on itself several times, and then cut at the corners with
scissors, in order to make small holes in it. The matter discharged
passes out freely through these holes, and is received in a layer of
tow spread over the linen.