MANUAL FOR STABLE SERGEANTS. 9$ 



345. Bandages. 



Flannel. Use chiefly on the legs for warmth, support, protection, 

 and the retention of dressings. 



Co^on. Used for the retention of dressings and the protection of 

 wounds. 



346. Dressings. 



Absorbent cotton. Used as a substitute for sponges in the cleansing 

 of wounds; to make packs by soaking it in medicinal solutions; and 

 to retain dry dressings in contact with the surfaces of wounds. 



Antiseptic gauze. A light, loosely woven variety of cloth, which 

 has been saturated with an antiseptic and dried. Used as a covering" 

 for wounds. Gauze must be kept clean and the par,, that is to come 

 in contact with the wound should never be touched with the fingers- 

 or hands. 



Oakum. Prepared fiber from old ropes. Used principally in. 

 packing horses' feet. It may also be used as a substitute for sponges^ 

 and, in the absence of cotton and gauze, as a covering for wounds. 



347. Packs. Packs are made by soaking cotton, gauze, oakum r 

 or similar material in hot or cold medicinal solutions, after which, 

 they are applied to the part with a bandage. 



348. Poultices. Poultices are preparations for the local applica- 

 tion of heat and moisture. They are made usually of flaxseed meal 

 and bran, but other substances, such as oatmeal and bread, may be 

 used. The material from which they are to be made is stirred up 

 in hot water until thick and pasty. This mass is then spread on a- 

 piece of sacking or cloth of any kind and applied, while hot, directly 

 to the part and held in place by means of bandages or other appli- 

 ances. When poultices are intended for use on wounds, such as 

 punctures of the foot, etc., from 2 to 4 drams of carbolic acid or 

 creolin should be added to the mass to render it antiseptic. 



Poultices are most useful about the feet. They should be changed 

 twice daily and immersed in hot water every hour to keep them 

 fresh and to prevent drying. Their application should not be con- 

 tinued for more than three or four days at a time. 



349. The field medicine chest. The following supplies are- 

 ordinarily sufficient for a troop of cavalry for one month, and are 

 intended for use in the field when no veterinarian accompanies the 

 troops. They should be carefully and tightly packed in a well made 

 box with a hinged lid, hasp, staple, and padlock. The drugs should 

 be kept in glass stoppered bottles, if obtainable, and all bottles and 

 boxes should be plainly labeled with name and dost of contents and 

 the labels well pasted on. Use the oakum for packing the bottles,, 



