156 Journal of Agriculture. [9 March, 1908. 



is that they should be kept clean. If this is not done, a surface is afforded 

 for the lodgment and multiplication of atmospheric and putrefactive 

 germs, which by their multiplication and destructive action cause an un- 

 healthiness of the raw surfaces, and a more or less complete stoppage of 

 the healing process. To prevent this, it is advisable that the wound in 

 (he first instance should be gently sponged with lukewarm water, in which 

 is dissolved a little carbolic acid (a tablespoonful of acia to a pint of 

 water), to remove the dirt and blood clots, and afterwards anti-septic 

 lotions or powders, should be applied once or twice a day. 



It is important to prevent "pocketing" of any discharge there may 

 be. This is always apt to occur when the wound runs in a downward 

 direction, and allows the matter or discharge to gravitate and become 

 imprisoned. If the discharge is at all unhealthy or has an offensive smell, 

 and is not allowed to drain away, it permeates the surrounding tissues, and 

 so causes mortification or spreading gangrene, or it may become absorbed 

 into the blood stream, causing blood poisoning (septicaemia), in either of 

 which cases death speedily results. This "pocketing" most commonly 

 occurs in punctured and lacerated wounds, and it is always necessary, 

 provided the discharge is at all excessive, to give the matter vent, either 

 by making an independent opening on a level with or below the bottom of 

 the wound, or by increasing the external opening of the wound sufficiently 

 in a downward direction to allow the discharge to drain away. 



All dressings for wounds should be of an antiseptic nature, and free 

 from irritating properties. Dry dressings are by far the best, the advan- 

 tage being that they form a protective covering for the wound, and so 

 simulate the best form of healing — under a scab; but if a wound is deep, 

 it will be necessary to use a liquid dressing and a syringe (pewter or 

 glass) to force it to the bottom. 



Wound Lotions. — A .solution of pure carbolic acid (one part to 20 

 or 40 of water according to the foulness of the wound) forms a simple, 

 and one of the best anti-septic lotions. Similar strength solutions of 

 creolin, lysol, and eucalyptene are equally good and they have the added 

 advantage of blending well with the fluids of the wound. Boracic acid 

 (i in 20 of water) is an effective and non-irritant antiseptic for tender 

 surfaces or tissues. Carbolic oil, once so largely used, is not so good 

 as an antiseptic but on account of its adhesiveness it forms a good protec- 

 tive covering for dry wounds. 



Wound Powders. — One part of iodoform, and eight of prepared 

 chalk, form a splendid dry dressing, to be dusted on to wounds. If the 

 discharge is excessive, four parts of tannin or oxide of zinc may be sub- 

 stituted for four parts of the chalk. When these medicam^ts are not 

 available the ordinary disinfectant powders used for household purposes 

 form a very good dry dressing, as also does powdered lime. If, whem a 

 wound has begun to heal, there is a large gap to fill up, the application of 

 iodoform alooe will be found to hasten the filling-up process considerably. 

 It stimulates the formation of granulation tissue. 



When a wound has been allowed to become unhealthy and foul-smelling 

 (in which case the fatal consequences previously mentioned are always to 

 be feared), the best treatment is to thoroughly irrigate it, at least twice a 

 day, with a watery solution of corrosive sublimate of strength varying 

 from one part of the drug to 100 of water to one part to 1,000, until the 

 smell is removed, and the discharge assumes a thicker and more healthy 

 appearance. When the presence of grit, splinters, or other foreign body 

 is suspected in the wound, the application of warm bran poultices for a 

 few days is advisable. They should be frequently changed, and never 

 allowed to become sour. 



