148 ALE HRDLIKA 



to show fully location of other ear. If plaster begins to thicken, 

 strengthen what is already on without employing the slightest pressure, 

 and make or have made rapidly a new supply, slightly thicker than 

 the first. Then with the help of spatula or spoon and still avoiding 

 pressure cover whole face. 



While cast is drying add gently more about eyelids, taking again 

 care to use no pressure and especially not to get any plaster into 

 subject's eye where it would cause burning. Add also, if necessary, 

 more plaster about nostrils. On the ear that is covered carry plaster a 

 little over convex border. 



Strengthen cast over forehead and median line of face; thickness of 

 cast should range from about one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch. 



When through with application of plaster, post yourself behind 

 subject and gently support his head until cast is sufficiently hard. 

 During hardening plaster will generate warmth, but this never becomes 

 too inconvenient or dangerous. 



Proper hardness of cast is learned through experience; it can be 

 ascertained by tapping it with a finger or some harder object. 



Removal may begin before hardening is complete at the hair ribbon, 

 which is slowly drawn backward. Then proceed all along the edge of 

 the cast and press skin back from it. Free helix of covered ear and 

 draw ear backward. All this can be begun quite early to occupy 

 subject's attention and satisfy him and it may be carried on so slowly 

 that the plaster has ample time to harden. To take cast off, lay left 

 hand on its top, grasp with the right its chin part, manipulate slowly 

 and carefully up and down, and push and pull downward and forward 

 until it slips off. 



There is occasionally some difficulty on account of the beard or very 

 large malars; or the subject may have tried to swallow or cough or 

 has moved so that a part of the cast is cracked or imperfect; or a 

 portion of the cast may be broken off through haste or maladroitness 

 in removing it. All that can be advised in such contingencies is 

 patient manipulation, or careful repair by fitting the separated parts 

 and adding plaster to the outside of cast. 



The finished cast is allowed to dry thoroughly, after which it is 

 ready for packing. Mark on surface with sharp point whatever data 

 are essential to go with cast. Pack carefully and tightly. 



In this manner, after due preliminary practice, from eight to ten first 

 class facial casts can be made in a day. To take a cast of the whole 

 head is difficult and has no advantage. With a good facial cast, 



