COMPOUND FRACTURE, ABSCESS, ETC. 33 



pus flows out into a vessel placed to receive it. The cavity of the abscess is 

 firmly pressed, so as to force out all existing pus as nearly as may be (the old 

 fear of doing mischief by rough treatment of the pyogenic membrane being 

 quite ill-founded) ; and if there be much oozing of blood, or if there be a con- 

 siderable thickness of parts between the abscess and the surface, a piece of lint 

 dipped in the antiseptic oil is introduced into the incision to check bleeding 

 and prevent primary adhesion, which is otherwise very apt to occur. The 

 introduction of the lint is effected as rapidly as may be, and under the pro- 

 tection of the antiseptic rag. Thus the evacuation of the original contents is 

 accomplished with perfect security against the introduction of living germs. 

 This, however, would be of no avail unless an antiseptic dressing could be 

 applied that would effectually prevent the decomposition of the stream of pus 

 constantly flowing out beneath it. After numerous disappointments, I have 

 succeeded with the following, which may be relied upon as absolutely trust- 

 worthy. About six teaspoonfuls of the above-mentioned solution of carbolic 

 acid in linseed oil are mixed up with common whitening (carbonate of lime) to 

 the consistence of a firm paste, w^hich is in fact glazier's putty with the addition 

 of a little carbohc acid. This is spread upon a piece of sheet block-tin about 

 six inches square ; or common tinfoil will answer equally well if strengthened 

 with adhesive plaster to prevent it from tearing, and in some situations it is 

 preferable, from its adapting itself more readily to the shape of the part affected. 

 The putty forms a layer about a quarter of an inch thick ; it may be spread 

 with a table-knife, or pressed out with the hand, a towel being temporarily 

 interposed to prevent the putty from sticking to the hand or soiling the coat- 

 sleeve. The tin thus spread with putty is placed upon the skin so that the 

 middle of it corresponds to the position of the incision, the antiseptic rag used 

 in opening the abscess being removed the instant before. The tin is then fixed 

 securely by adhesive plaster, the lowest edge being left free for the escape of 

 the discharge into a folded towel placed over it and secured by a bandage. This 

 dressing has the following advantages : The tin prevents the evaporation of 

 the carbolic acid, which escapes readily through anv organic tissue such as 

 oiled silk or gutta-percha. The putty contains the carbolic acid just sufficiently 

 diluted to prevent its excoriatii^g the skin, while its substance serves as a 

 reservoir of the acid during the intervals between the dressings. Its oily nature 

 and tenacity prevent it from being washed away by the discharge, wliich all 

 oozes out beneath it as fast as it escapes from the incision : while the extent 

 of the surface of the putty renders it securely antiseptic. Lastly, the putty 

 is a cleanly application, and gives the surgeon very little trouble ; a supply 

 being daily made by some convalescent in a hospital, or m private practice 



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