74 ANATOMICAL TECHNOLOGY. 



The oiling should be especially thorough when instruments are 

 to be packed away or disused for some time, and particularly at 

 tlie sea shore. 



Scalpels and other instruments with wooden or ivory handles 

 sliould not be allowed to soak in water, lest the rivets become loose 

 after drying. AYooden handles should be occasionally oiled. 



§ 174. Blow Pipe. — Usually this needs only to be wiped, first 

 with a moist, and then with a dry cloth. After using, be sure that 

 the lumen is free ; if clogged, open it with the fine knitting needle, 

 or a wire. 



§ 175. Forceps. — Clean the serrated parts with the nail brush, 

 draw a cloth or towel between the blades, and then wipe. 



§ 176. Nippers. — Clean the joint and blades well with the nail 

 brush, wipe dry, and oil the joint. 



§ 177. Saw. — Use the nail brush, moving it from the back to- 

 ward the teeth. Wipe, carrying the towel in the same direction. 

 Then wipe dry, and oU. 



§ 178. Scalpels and Cutting Instruments Generally. —These 

 instruments, and especially such as have keen edges and delicate 

 points, sliould be protected from contact with each, other and with 

 other objects. If not kept in a case, they may be laid in a small 

 tray, like the cover of a note box lined with chamois or velveteen. 

 When several are to be carried at once, each handle should be held 

 between two fingers so that the blades may not touch. 



In wiping a scalpel, hold it firmly in the left hand, and let the 

 cloth cover the right thumb and index, as in wiping a table knife ; 

 do not let the cloth come upon the edge. The scalpel should be 

 wiped four times : first with a moist cloth to remove all blood and 

 fragments ; then vdth a dry cloth ; then with an oiled cloth or 

 chamois, and finally with a clean dry cloth or chamois. The fingers 

 sliould not touch the blade after the final wiping. 



§ 179. Scissors. — If the blades are lock jointed, they should be 

 separated. The blades are to be treated like the scalpels. Clean 

 the joint thoroughly, and keep it oiled. 



§ 180. Trays. — If waste papers are used, the trays will usually 

 require only rinsing, after which they should be set up on edge to 

 dry. Where many trays are used, there should be a suitable rack 

 for them. 



§ 181. Instrument Cases. — The experienced anatomist rarely 

 uses the "case" in which, probably, his first instruments were 



