+ 
126 a BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 
the first three days after the operation, are severe spasmodic 
affections of Se and inflammation and tension of the stump, 
with the consequent fever, which in some degree, succeeds every 
case of amputation, but which always proves hazardous when it pro- 
_@eeds to a great height. When the arteries are tied without includ-_ 
ing the nerves, these spasms seldom become troublesome ; but when 
= do take place, they must be relieved with opiates, &c. 
_ At the end of the second day, the stump should be examined. For _ 
this p the stump should be quietly supported by an assistant, 
till the last turns of the roller are undone, and, till the crass slips, 
tow, and even the large pledgets of ointment next the Sore, are re- _ 
moved, Ina few cases, the parts are found united by the first in- 
_ tention: but for the most part, it is otherwise ; there is a small quan- 
_ tity of matter over the surface ef the stump, and the parts are red, 
tense, and painful to the touch, with a small separation between the — 
| of the divide » notwithstanding the plasters employed to 
retain them. As in this state, the plasters do no service, they should 
likewise be removed. The surface of the stump should now be cover- 
ed with a pledget of the same ointment as at first ; and a cushion of 
soft tow being laid over it, the cross slips of linen and the roller 
should be again applied, but without pressure. 
In this manner the dressings should be renewed daily ; when, by 
the seventh or eighth day, the inflammation and tension will in gene- 
__As soon as the sore is observed to be potectiy clean, with granu- 
lations sprouting out in different parts of it, we may with safety ven- 
ture to complete the cure, by drawing the edges of the wound to- 
gether with adhesive plasters. By this management, even the largest 
ation for the most part; be healed in the course of three or 
OF AMPUTATING THE LEG, 
In amputating the thigh, as much of the limb should be saved-as 
cam be done with safety; for the longer the stump, the more utility is 
derived from it: but the leg may be either taken off directly below _ 
the knee, or near the ancle, if the disease permits. [n the first case, the’ — 
few inches of the leg left, is usually turned under, and the joint of the — 
knee placed jn the box of a wooden leg; thereby precluding the use of 
the knee joint, and making the leg stiff and clumsy ; but inthe other 
ease of amputating near the ancle, or below the calf, a cork leg, or 
intohine, may be fitted to the stump, and-used for walking, with _ 
When we are prevented by the extent of the disease in the leg, 
from amputating it below the calf, we are next to determine the most 
proper place for the operation. 
