TREATMENT OF WOUNDS 123 



an abscess. In the latter event, the bnllet is removed 

 when the pus of the well matured abscess is evacuated. 

 "Do not search for bullets unless they can be clearly felt 

 through the skin, but leave them to the tissues where they 

 will either be tolerated or expelled by suppuration." 

 (Cadeac.) Thus Cadeac in a word says about all there 

 is to be especially said about extraction of bullets. The 

 tract of the bullet is not irrigated, nor is there any effort 

 made to explore its depths. Local antiseptic treatment 

 of the orifice to avert secondary infection is, however, 

 faithfully followed and the patient is watched continu- 

 ously for febrile complication and for the abscess that 

 will disclose the location of the bullet. Antitetanic serum 

 is always indicated, and should never be omitted, in the 

 management of firearm wounds. 



