LABORATORY TECHNIQLTE. 



A nciv opcrating-bcncli. — For operating upon the brain 

 of dogs or other animals, especially in cases where anses- 

 thetics cannot be employed throughout, the usual bench is 

 very inconvenient. The following substitute is suggested: 



A low bench is provided with two davits, which may be 

 elevated or depressed at will. From these davits are sus- 

 pended two straps ending in a surcingle, to be strapped 

 about the body of the animal immediately in front of the 

 hind legs and just behind the fore legs respectively. To the 

 posterior surcingle a breech strap is attached, and to the 

 anterior one a breast strap. The two surcingles are con- 

 nected below with a longitudinal bar, which in use will jDass 

 between the legs and extends forward to the head. Ante- 

 riorly it supports a halter passing over the neck and nose and 

 a perforated tin or leathern receptacle for the anaesthetic, so 

 arranged as to fit over the nose of the animal. The longitu- 

 dinal bar may be firmly clamped to a sliding vertical bar at 

 any elevation. The animal is placed on the bench, the sur- 

 cingles and halter buckled in place, and the davits elevated 

 to the required height. The ventral liar is then firmly 

 clamped, and every motion of the limbs is unimpeded, while, 

 at the same time, the most violent struggles do not produce 

 change of position in the head or trunk. Adduction is abso- 

 lutely unrestricted, and it is possible at a moments notice to 

 bring the feet in contact with the bench to observe practical 

 application of the contractions induced, etc. 



