the different sutures :—From which we may perceive how t! 
diminution in the cavity of the skull, however it is produced 
always occasion compression of the brain ; and also we may: ount 
for the ready communication of the inflammation from the extern: — 
to the internal membranes of the skull. . - 
The various symptons arising from injuries done tothe head, may 
be referred to three general effects : compression, contintia. and 
inflammation of the brain. si 
In a compressed state of the brain, the safety of the patient ae . 
pends solely upon the removal of the cause. When a portion of the 
bone is beat in, and at the same time so loose as to admit of i ’ 
ing taken out with the fingers of the nape with comm 
or “with the lever or bodkin, these only should be « 
when the depressed portion of the bone is : xed, or w 
compression is produced by the effusion of blood, or the forenlaae 
* of pus, a proper application of the trepan alone can afford relief ; and 
We ought not to hesitate in employing it. “ize | 
In such circumstances, the patient is in a very hazardous situation ; -— 
and. perforating the skull with the trepan as frequently as may be 
necessary, may prove, as. it often has done, a very effectual r 
We are by no means, however, to imagine, as many hav Y 
that a surgeon has accomplished ‘all that may be prope! 
perform, on the operation ‘being finished. Indeed, little advant 
will be derived from it, in general, unless other circumstances a we 3 
kept in view. As the membranes are always in jured more or less, : 
care should be taken to obviate the effeets of | : 
pene into the perforations made by the trepan, 
ing application should be avoided.. The whole surface 
shonlebe lightly covered with soft lint spread with any emollient oint- 
ment; and this with a compress of soft linen, should be rétainéd 
with a common night cap, as the easiest and best bandage that « can 
be applied to the head. The patient should lose blodd-in 
io his strength; his bowels should be kept open; his skin | 
preserved soft and perspirable ; a low diet should be recomn 
and he should be kept free from noise and orety kind of dis 
ance, - 
When symptoms arising fiom external. vic = 
depend on concussion or commotion of the ; re 
aperate chiefly by inducing debility of the whole : On 
practice of discharging much blood and giving strong purgatives, 
should br ided. 
Inthe treatment of injuries dni to the head, it should_al 
be ‘kept in view, that inflammation of the membrane of th 
very seldom takes place immediately, but is apt to come on 
period - ; “eget at Pat eeeeeeee = ; in cons 
