28 THE FRAMEWORK OF THE BODY 



around the ends of the bone, as a result of the injury. This is 

 gradually absorbed, and gives place to a watery fluid, which, 

 thickening from day to day, acquires, at the end of about two 

 weeks, the consistency of jelly. This continues to harden, by 

 the deposit of new bone-substance, until, usually at the end of 

 five or six weeks, the broken bone may be said to be united. 

 It is, however, still fragile, and must be used carefully a 

 few weeks longer. The process of hardening continues, but 

 months must pass before the union can be said to be complete. 

 (Read Note 8.) 



18. Changes in the Skeleton. Man does not reach his full 

 height until he is about twenty-five years old; and even after 

 that age, the bones continue to increase in strength and hard- 

 ness. Before that age they are comparatively soft and flexible, 

 by reason of the gelatin they contain. This is especially true 

 in childhood ; and it is fortunate that it is so, since that con- 

 dition is much more favorable to the steady and rapid growth 

 of the bones than if they contained more of the lime, as is the 

 case in old age, when there is no occasion for change in the 

 size or shape of the skeleton. The skull, however, is said to 

 increase slightly in size, even in advanced life, in those persons 

 in whom the brain is continually employed in thought or study. 



4. The Management of a Broken Limb. " Fractures' are usually 

 met with when the person is dressed. Therefore, unless there is bleeding, 

 or something to call for immediate exposure and examination of the 

 damaged part, do not be in a hurry to remove the clothes. If the arm be 

 hurt, extemporize a sling from a neck-handkerchief or some other article 

 of dress, and support the arm from elbow to wrist, tying the ends of the 

 handkerchief in a knot over the coat-collar behind. If the thigh or leg 

 be in pain, fasten the injured limb to its fellow by a cravat bandage or 

 two, and take care that they lie side by side, and on the same level ; or 

 fasten outside the clothes some temporary support a piece or two of 

 straight stick, with a bandage and then remove the sufferer quietly and 

 carefully to some house near at hand. If medical aid be available, send 

 for it without any delay ; and be careful, if in the country, and so at some 

 distance from the doctor's house, to forward a clear statement as to the 

 apparent nature of the accident, which limb is hurt, and where and how 



18. When does a man get his growth ? What changes then take place? What difference 

 in the bones of a child and those of a man ? What exception in case of the skull ? Benefit 

 in flexibility of bones ? Cause of knock-knees ? Bow-legs? 



