DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 485 



The proper treatment of wounds depends on the part where 

 they are inflicted, and the instrument that caused them. A clean 

 cut made in the muscular parts is soon healed by the early appli- 

 cation of slips of sticking plaster, in order that the edges of the 

 wound may be kept close together ; or, if plaster cannot be speedily 

 applied, a stitch or two may be taken through the edges of the 

 wound, and the strings tied gently together. When the edges 

 perfectly adhere, the strings must be cut away, and the holes 

 caused by them will soon fill up. It is particularly necessary 

 that all wounds should be perfectly cleaned, before any attempt 

 is made to heal them. It will occasionally happen that the 

 wound is so situated as not to admit of its being sewed up ; but 

 when this occurs, silver or steel pins may generally be passed 

 from the edges, about an inch apart from each other, and a 

 thread twisted crosswise from one to the other, thus forming 

 what is called the twisted suture. In every case where it is 

 necessary to use sutures, a sticking plaster should be applied 

 over the edges of the wound. But this mode of treatment can 

 only be adopted in those superficial wounds where a flap of the 

 skin is separated ; and when this occurs, it is not requisite to 

 apply any stimulating fluid, as some writers advise. When 

 there is any dirt or other matter collected about the wound, it 

 may be washed off with warm water. 



Where the wound is considerable, and important parts are 

 affected, the most decisive means should be speedily employed 

 to keep down inflammation. Immediately after which, a purga- 

 tive, or relaxative drink should be given, and the parts be 

 fomented with a decoction of mallows, hemlock, or elder, until 

 the inflammation, if any, subsides. Keep it always washed clean, 

 and if warm weather, the flies away. 



After the inflammation caused by the wound has subsided, it 

 should be examined with a probe, in order to ascertain if any 

 matter be confined; as it is sometimes necessary to give it vent 

 by enlarging the original wound, or make an opening in another 

 more depending situation, that it may run off freely. It may be 

 requisite to apply at this period, the following ointment: 



Common turpentine, . . . . . .6 ounces, 



Hog's lard, ....... 8 ounces, 



Beeswax, ........ 1 ounce. 



Melted together. 



