274 THE FARMER'S AND 



united by inflammation, cut the knots carefully, and with- 

 draw the threads. 



From what has been said, it must be evident that in all 

 wounds, after arresting the flow of blood, and cleansing 

 the parts, if neeesssary, the great object is to bring 

 their sides into contact throughout their whole depth, in 

 order tnat they may grow together as quick as possible, 

 and without the intervention of matter. To obtain this 

 very desirable result, in addition to the means already 

 mentioned, there are two things to be attended to ; the po- 

 sition of the patient, and the application of the bandage. 

 The position of the patient should be such as will relax 

 the skin and muscles of the part wounded, thereby dimin- 

 ishing their tendency to separate. 



A common bandage of a proper width, passed over the 

 compresses moderately tight, not only serves to keep them 

 in their place, but also tends, by its pressure, to forward 

 tne great object already mentioned. If, however, the 

 wound is so extensive and painful, that the limb or body 

 of the patient cannot be raised for the purpose of applying 

 or removing it, the best way is to spread the two ends of 

 one or two strips of linen or leather with sticking-plaster, 

 which may be applied in place of the bandage, as follows : 

 attach one end of a strip to the sound skin, at a short dis- 

 tance from the compress, over which it is to be drawn 

 with moderate firmness, and secured in a similar manner 

 to the opposite side. A second or third may, if necessary, 

 be added in the same way. 



In all wounds, if violent inflammation come on, reduce it 

 by bleeding, purging, etc. 



PtTNCTGRED WOUNDS. 



These are caused by sharp-pointed instruments, as 

 needles, awls, nails, etc. Having stopped the bleeding, 



