i88 



BIOLOGY AND HUMAN LIFE 



every cut with an antiseptic, or sterilizing, solution. Tincture 

 of iodin or alcohol or carbolic acid or bichlorid of mercury may 

 be used. The cut should then be covered with clean cotton 

 or gauze, to prevent the entry of microbes. 



With large wounds it is sometimes necessary to use special 

 means to stop the bleeding. If the flow of blood is too strong, it 

 may prevent the clot from holding to the sides of the wound. 



Fig. 97. Treating a cut 



When the pressure of the thumb is not sufficient to compress the blood vessels and 

 stop the flow, a tourniquet may be used, made by tying a handkerchief about the limb 

 and twisting it tight by means of a stick slipped under the handkerchief. Of course, 

 the tourniquet or the bandage applied in this way is to be considered an emergency 

 measure, and steps should be taken to have the wound attended to by a physician 



When the flow is from an artery (which can usually be recog- 

 nized by the pulsation), the limb should be tied above the cut, 

 that is, on the side toward the heart. When the flow is from a 

 vein, the attempt to stop the flow should be made on the side 

 away from the heart (see Fig. 97). 



156. Nose bleeding. In very many cases nose bleeding can 

 be stopped by snuffing cold water. The old-fashioned remedy of 



