^4 Sprain or Clap in the Back'Sinew. 



action, even by the stimulus of the actual cautery ; and thus firing 

 IS in these cases too frequently found to be ineffectual, although 

 nothing but this operation, succeeded by a three months run at grass^ 

 can possibly hold out any rational prospect of a cure. 



The swelling and hardness of the part however, does not depend 

 entirely, upon the altered condition of the skin alone, but of the 

 Cellular Membrane also, underneath it, as well as of the fibres, 

 which tie down the tendon, both of which being torn and inflamed 

 by the original violence, have had the inflammation kept up in them 

 by the subsequent mal-treatment that has been adopted. — Now the 

 change which takes place in the Cellular Membrane, in consequence 

 ■ of this high active inflammation so long continued in it, is the same 

 that takes place in the skin, that is to say, it becomes thickened and 

 altered in its structure, and thus presents a mechanical impediment 

 to the free and perfect motion of the tendon, which in such cases 

 cannot be pressed down into its .proper situation, by any bandage 

 that can possibly be applied to the part. It is nevertheless wonder- 

 ful, how many instances of mal-treated Sprains do recover ultimately, 

 in consequence of judicious Firing. Much stress has heretofore been 

 laid upon the external use of Astringents in these cases ; for instance. 

 Verjuice, Forge-Water, Solutions of Alum, and sudi like applica- 

 tions, which have been recommended upon the principle of bracing 

 the Tendon, which was supposed to have lost its elasticity. Now it 

 cannot be denied that remedies of this kind, have their use in slight 

 Windgalis, and swellings about the Joints, unattended with pain or 

 lameness, especially if applied through the medium of bandages.; 

 but I have never seen any permanent good result from their appli- 

 cation, in the kind of case under our present consideration. 



